10 representations of the history of disability

From the series 10 things...

People with disabilities are part of history. Their stories are not yet well known. In this episode, you will see 10 international perspectives from this history.

Old Woman Reading, Probably the Prophetess Anna Old Woman Reading, Probably the Prophetess Anna

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Commonplace

Most people in the world will experience some degree of disability in their life, due to ageing for example. It’s not without reason an old Dutch saying goes ‘Ageing brings ailments’. Impairments have - and always will - be part of life.

Old Woman Reading, Probably the Prophetess Anna, Rembrandt van Rijn, 1631

Winter Landscape with Ice Skaters Winter Landscape with Ice Skaters

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Humour in the detail

Most people know Hendrick Avercamp from his 17th-century winter landscapes. Did you also know that he was deaf? His work typically portrayed Dutch people in their recreation time, often with humorous scenes hidden here and there. In this painting the silence of winter is broken by the sounds of people at play.

Winter Landscape with Ice Skaters, Hendrick Avercamp, c. 1608

Personificatie van Dag Personificatie van Dag

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Mental diversity

Scientific research suggests that the world-renowned and celebrated Italian artist Michelangelo may have had an autism spectrum disorder.

Personification of Day, Michelangelo, 1534

The Seven Works of Mercy The Seven Works of Mercy

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Social inequality

It may not surprise you; in the Middle Ages people with disabilities were portrayed as living on the fringes of society – as beggars, even. They often had no other way of making money.

The Seven Works of Mercy, Master of Alkmaar, 1504

Portrait of Don Ramón Satué Portrait of Don Ramón Satué

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Never recovered

When he was about 45 years old, the famous Spanish painter Francisco de Goya fell ill. It involved depression and deafness. He continued to make art, including an impressive print series about social inequality.

Portrait of Don Ramón Satué, Francisco de Goya, 1823

Portret van Horatio Nelson Portret van Horatio Nelson

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Stigmatisation

This is British Admiral Horatio Nelson. He lost a hand in the war and went blind in one eye. His injuries are presented as confirmation of his bravery. Disabilities are sometimes unjustly used as a mean to emphasize certain achievements.

Portrait of Horatio Nelson, William Bromley (I), after Robert Bowyer, 1809

Portret van Louis Joseph César Ducornet Portret van Louis Joseph César Ducornet

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Self-promotion

Louis J.C. Ducornet was a talented artist and born with phocomelia: a condition that causes shortened limbs. He used his striking appearance as advertising to reach a wider audience. You can see this in his self-portrait as a Parisian gentleman.

Portrait of Louis Joseph César Ducornet, Carel Christiaan Antony Last, after Louis Joseph César Ducornet, 1851

Portret van Petronella Moens Portret van Petronella Moens

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Disabled and Woman

Petronella Moens was a writer and poet. When she was young she caught smallpox, which left her visually impaired. Her award-winning body of work explored themes of emancipation, religion and politics.

Portrait of Petronella Moens, Michel Mourot, 1828 - 1843

Mies Bouwman naast een jongen in een rolstoel Mies Bouwman naast een jongen in een rolstoel

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Social conscience

In the 1980s, Mies Bouwman tried to raise awareness for a more inclusive society through TV programs. In the photo you can see her in a show to raise money for the 'World Games for the Disabled'.

Mies Bouwman and a Boy in a Wheelchair, Vincent Samuel Mentzel, 1988

Paul healing a man who could not walk Paul healing a man who could not walk

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Different ways of looking

For centuries we have looked at art with various subjects. Does specific information help to shift your focus? For instance, where do your eyes alight on this biblical scene? On St. Paul or on the prominently placed strong man using crutches?

St Paul Healing the Cripple at Lystra, Karel du Jardin, 1663

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Ensemble van vier zilveren, deels vergulde zoutvaten gemaakt door de beroemde zeventiende-eeuwse Amsterdamse zilversmid Johannes Lutma Ensemble van vier zilveren, deels vergulde zoutvaten gemaakt door de beroemde zeventiende-eeuwse Amsterdamse zilversmid Johannes Lutma

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