Gezicht op en plattegrond van het Charité ziekenhuis, te Berlijn 1740 - 1774

This is an anonymous print depicting the Charité hospital in Berlin. Though we don't know the artist, the image offers insight into the historical context and social values of its time. Founded in the early 18th century, the Charité was initially a response to a plague epidemic. Over time, it became a symbol of public health and social welfare, reflecting evolving attitudes towards care and the role of institutions in society. This print, with its formal, almost clinical depiction, emphasizes order and control. Yet, what stories lie beneath this surface of order? Consider the experiences of the patients, the diverse individuals who sought care within its walls. The Charité has been at the intersection of medical advancement and social change, mirrored in the layout of the image. The presence of the eagle, a symbol of power, hints at the complex relationship between the institution, the state, and individual bodies. This print provides an opportunity to consider how institutions shape our lives, and how we can look beyond formal representations to understand the diverse human experiences within them.