Huiduitslag veroorzaakt door syfilis c. 1860 - 1868

This plate, by A. de Montméja, depicts skin eruptions caused by syphilis. The red lesions scattered across the figure's back evoke a constellation of disease. But let's consider: what is it about spots that so disturb us? Throughout history, spots have symbolized impurity, defilement, and the loss of control. Think of the medieval fear of leprosy, where visible skin conditions marked individuals as social pariahs, ostracized for their supposed moral failings. Even earlier, the story of Cain marked with the sign of his transgression is an example of visible marking symbolizing a hidden sin. The emotional response to such images taps into collective anxieties, echoing the cultural and historical baggage associated with disease and moral corruption. It is a testament to the enduring power of visual symbols to evoke strong emotional responses, connecting us to a shared history of fear and stigma.