So far in my research, I think this book has been the one to teach me the most about nineteenth century mental institutions. Author Lauren Shakely explains about photographer Raymond Depardon's experience in visiting the inmates in order to photograph them. She talks about how in some cases his camera was provocative and caused the inmates to be violent or even exhibitionist,
"In Naples a tiny yard was surrounded by an immense wall; there, most of the inmates were completely or partially undressed. The nurses had tired of clothing them, only to have them strip a new. To Deaprden, the nudity was an act of rebellion, a demonstration of freedom inspired by the out-of-doors."
"The hospitals - mainly designed as holding banks - has a few doctors and the principal treatments were occasional electro shock and ample doses of tranquillising drugs. "
"Because of the monotony it reminded me of all of the other kinds of repressive institutions: concentration camps, convents, prisons, reform schools."
The photography in particular is interesting because it doesn't conform to traditional portraiture. The way that the patients presented themselves in the photograph were very stereotypical for mental illness representation. In particular the covering of the head suggesting a child-like play tactic and the awkwardness of posture in some.
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