Patiënt lijdend aan de huidziekte 'psoriasis nummulata' before 1881

This photograph depicts a patient suffering from psoriasis nummulata, its origin and the artist remaining anonymous. The monochrome image, with its stark contrast between the skin and the lesions, immediately draws our attention to the body as a site of disease and visual interest. The composition is structured around the patient's back, which becomes a canvas displaying the circular patterns of psoriasis. The symmetry is broken by the varying sizes and distribution of these lesions, creating a dynamic tension. This interplay challenges traditional notions of beauty and health, forcing us to confront the abject body. The use of light and shadow emphasizes the texture of the skin, highlighting the lesions' raised surfaces. In the context of medical documentation, this image raises questions about representation, objectivity, and the gaze. It uses the visual language of science to explore the boundaries of perception and acceptance. The image, therefore, functions as a cultural artifact embedded with complex social and ethical implications.