Portret van een onbekende man met gordelroos op zijn arm en borst c. 1860 - 1868

This is a portrait of an unknown man with shingles, captured by A. de Montméja, a 19th-century photographer who used photographic methods to document skin conditions. This image exists at the intersection of medical documentation, artistry, and the human experience. It was a period when medical science was rapidly evolving, with photography offering new ways to record and study diseases. In an era marked by significant social inequalities, who had access to medical care and representation was deeply influenced by factors such as race, class, and gender. The man's gaze carries a weight of stoicism, a sense of being observed, and perhaps a hint of vulnerability. The use of photography to document illness raises ethical questions about privacy, consent, and representation. It challenges us to consider the power dynamics inherent in the act of looking, particularly in the context of medical observation and social identity. This image is not just a medical record but a poignant reminder of the human stories behind medical conditions.