Artwork

The Hospital

The Hospital, by Gerrit van Schagen, ink, 1642
The Hospital, by Gerrit van Schagen, ink, 1642

The Hospital is an ink print by the Baroque artist Gerrit van Schagen. It dates from 1642 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Hospital is a print by Gerrit van Schagen, created in 1642 using etching and engraving techniques on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a chaotic street scene with a crowd of people in old-fashioned attire, some injured or fleeing, while others gather around a central fountain. A large columned building stands in the background, with smaller houses lining the street. The accompanying French text below the image describes the scene's turmoil.

Technique & Style

The print combines etching and engraving, allowing for detailed rendering of the scene. The use of these techniques was typical for printmakers of the time, enabling the creation of intricate and layered compositions.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.