History in Pictures Continued

Judensau (Frankfurt)

Jews are in contact in an obsence manner with a sow. This is an image from the 13^th century Germany. In Frankfurt the image was painted on the city gates for everyone to see. The image of the Judensau were often shown together with images of Jewish ritual murder. Also, there are some stigma symbols like glasses on the Jews. (Glasses represented the inability to see clearly). The image was meant to be obscene because a Pig is viewed as unclean in Jewish religion. The Judensau became a popular folk image. It was present all over Europe in Churches. The image became so popular that it survived into the 18^th century and was placed on walking sticks and other items.

A peasant and a Jewish moneylender

Woodcut from 1531. Jews were either traders or money lenders. The Catholic Church forbade Catholics from money lending. However, the economy was growing and money lending was necessary. Thus, Jews became associated with usury, the lending of money against high interest.

Leper with bell

Image comes from a illuminated manuscript. It depicts a leper and the stigma symbols associated with a that group. The bell was the main stigma symbol, the only acoustic stigma symbol. The clapper was another stigma symbol, also acoustic. Lepers were meant to warn people of their approach by having a clapper or a bell, and distinctive attire.

Beggar family

Print depicting a beggar family. Illustrated the traditional positive view of poverty. The image is very similar to the painting Flight into Egypt, which depicted Mary, Jesus, and Joseph fleeing into Egypt.

Liber Vagatorum

Book published in 1510. It was meant to educate the public in the cheats and tricks of the undeserving poor to appear like the deserving poor. Martin Luther republished the book in 1528. The book depicted the more negative view of the poor.

Amsterdam Rasphuis

The deserving poor received badges and the undeserving poor did not. This way the poor without the badge were taken into Rasphuis or houses of correction where the prisoners worked in horrible conditions. The lucky ones would receive a term sentence but most did not.