A Visit to the Doctor
1660 - 1665
Gerrit Dou, a master of the Dutch 'fine painting' style, captures a moment of intense medical scrutiny here. The doctor holds a flask of urine up to the light—a common diagnostic tool of the 17th century called uroscopy—while the anxious patient looks on. Notice the incredible detail in the draped fabrics and the potted plant; Dou was famous for making tiny, meticulous brushstrokes that made his works look almost like photographs. It's a fascinating glimpse into early modern medicine, where a good look at your pee was the best diagnosis money could buy!
- Technique
- Oil painting
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