This is one of a pair of paintings (see CWLF 127, 406900) depicting a collector surrounded by his possessions and an physician in his laboratory. Both works consciously perpetuate the tradition of David Teniers, who specialised in alchemists and collector

Stories of Medics and Medicine in the Royal Collection

The Royal Collection contains fascinating objects and paintings that illustrate the changing perception and use of medicine over time

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE (1820-1910)

Notes on hospitals

1863

RCIN 1075237

In 1854, during the Crimean War, reports of the insanitary conditions in the British military hospitals shocked Britain. Sidney Herbert, Secretary at War, asked Florence Nightingale to take nurses out to the Crimea and to superintend improvements. On her return home in 1856 she visited Balmoral to give first-hand reports of her achievements to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who took a keen interest in such matters. She presented this work to Queen Victoria in 1863.

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