Home > Arts > Portraits > Pop art gallery > Street art portraits
Medieval plague scene
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Medieval plague scene
Medieval plague scene. Victorian woodcut of a street in a town afflicted by a plague epidemic. The town crier precedes a cart, shouting " bring out your dead" as bodies are piled on. Plague is a disease caused by the bacteria Pasteurella pestis and is transmitted by the rat flea. During the mid 14th century its bubonic and pneumonic forms are thought to have caused the Europe-wide pandemic known as the Black Death. During the Black Death almost a third of the population of Europe were killed, with whole cities devasted
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6419495
© USA NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1400s 14th Century Black Death Bodies Body Bubonic Plague Building Cart City Collecting Dead Death Epidemic Fire Medieval Middle Ages Pandemic Plague Street Town Wood Cut Wood Engraving 1864 Condition Disorder Health Care Town Crier
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back in time to a haunting scene from the Middle Ages. A Victorian woodcut depicts a street in a medieval town gripped by the devastating plague epidemic. The atmosphere is grim as bodies are piled onto a cart, while the town crier urgently shouts "bring out your dead". This chilling portrayal reminds us of the horrors unleashed by Pasteurella pestis, the bacteria responsible for this deadly disease. During the mid-14th century, Europe was ravaged by an unparalleled catastrophe known as the Black Death. With its bubonic and pneumonic forms spreading rapidly through rat fleas, entire cities were left devastated and nearly one-third of Europe's population perished. The magnitude of this pandemic becomes palpable when considering that almost every aspect of life was affected – from health care to social order. The detailed illustration transports us to this dark period in history, capturing not only the physical toll but also revealing glimpses into daily life during such dire circumstances. From historical buildings engulfed in flames to brave individuals collecting bodies amidst chaos, each element tells a story of resilience and despair. As we reflect on this powerful image captured through wood engraving in 1864, let it serve as a reminder of humanity's ability to endure even amidst unimaginable suffering. It stands as both an homage to those who lost their lives during that tragic era and a testament to our progress in medicine and public health since then.
MADE IN THE UK
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
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 Basket.
