Vier portretten van mensen die lijden aan dwaasheid before 1876

Curator: This is a page from J. Valette's work, *Vier portretten van mensen die lijden aan dwaasheid*, made before 1876. These photographic prints seem quite clinical in their presentation. What strikes you most about it? Editor: The word “STUPIDITE” printed in bold lettering is disturbing. It feels like a very judgmental categorization of human suffering. How were these images intended to be used? Curator: Precisely. The framing reveals the uncomfortable history of how medical science has pathologized and dehumanized people. Consider the late 19th-century context, where there was a burgeoning interest in categorizing and classifying mental illness, often with very little scientific basis and influenced by social biases regarding class, race and gender. How do you see those power dynamics playing out in these images? Editor: The subjects appear to be posed and presented as specimens, stripped of their individuality. The stark lighting emphasizes their vulnerability, while the photographs lack any indication of the social or personal contexts of their lives. Did photography play a role in how mental illness was viewed at the time? Curator: Absolutely. Photography offered what seemed to be objective documentation. Yet, these photographs, intended for medical study, also contributed to reinforcing negative stereotypes. They objectify and “other” the subjects, which has lasting effects on how society treats and perceives mental illness even today. Editor: So it’s important to recognize the harmful legacy of these images and resist perpetuating those same stigmas. Looking closely at historical images allows one to see their present-day effect on popular conceptions of mental illness. Thank you! Curator: Yes, and reflecting on images such as these pushes us to think critically about the role of representation and its connection to real-world power.