De mens ontmoet ziekte op zijn levenweg 1563

Philips Galle created this engraving, "De mens ontmoet ziekte op zijn levenweg," in the Netherlands, sometime in the late 16th century. The image depicts a procession of men afflicted with various ailments. In this period, the rise of cities concentrated populations, but also brought new health risks. Prints like this one played a crucial role in disseminating information and shaping public perceptions about health. Galle’s work reflects both the medical knowledge and the social anxieties of his time, which saw the beginning of the medical institution. The Latin and vernacular texts accompanying the image offer insight into contemporary beliefs about disease, attributing suffering to various causes while suggesting remedies. Art historians consult a wide range of sources, from medical treatises to economic data, to reveal the social and cultural contexts that inform such works of art. Understanding these contexts helps us appreciate the public role that art played during this period.