Hysteria Patient / 1887
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Hysteria Patient / 1887
Hysteria patient at La Salpetriere lying in an ecstatic state, with her arms crossed over her body. Date: 1887
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14289970
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1887 Body Crossed Ecstasy Ecstatic Hysteria Illness Insanity Lying Madness Mental Patient Patients Pillow Salpetriere
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the enigmatic and complex nature of hysteria, a diagnosis that dominated the medical world in the late 19th century. Taken in 1887 at the renowned La Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, the image depicts a patient in a state of ecstasy, her arms crossed over her body as if in a protective embrace. The woman's expression is one of intense focus and abandon, her eyes closed in what appears to be a deeply emotional moment. Hysteria, a diagnosis that encompassed a wide range of symptoms including convulsions, paralysis, and hallucinations, was often associated with women, particularly those of the upper classes. The diagnosis was controversial, with some doctors believing it to be a genuine medical condition, while others saw it as a way to control women who challenged societal norms. The photograph offers a glimpse into the world of the asylum, where patients were subjected to various treatments, including hypnosis, massage, and electrical stimulation, in an attempt to cure their hysteria. The use of restraints, such as the one visible in the background of the image, was also common. Despite the advances of modern medicine, the image of the hysteria patient remains a powerful and intriguing symbol of the complex relationship between mind and body, and the ways in which society has historically sought to understand and treat mental illness.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.