Gezicht op de binnenplaats van het Leprozenhuis te Amsterdam 1768

Willem Writs created this print of the courtyard of Amsterdam's Leper House in the 18th century. It offers us a glimpse into a space of confinement and care during a time when leprosy, now known as Hansen's disease, carried a heavy social stigma. Leprosy, shrouded in fear and misunderstanding, led to the isolation of those afflicted. This image captures the paradox of such institutions, designed to provide refuge while simultaneously enforcing exclusion. The courtyard, framed by the building's architecture, becomes a stage for the daily lives of the residents, their figures rendered with a delicate touch that hints at their shared humanity. Writs invites us to reflect on society's treatment of disease and difference. How do we balance compassion with the fear of contagion? And how do institutions both protect and isolate? This image is a poignant reminder of our ongoing struggle to create truly inclusive communities.