Robert Riggs, Psychopathic Ward

Robert Riggs: Psychopathic Ward (c. 1939) lithograph on heavy woven paper
Title
Psychopathic Ward
Date
c. 1939
Medium
lithograph on heavy woven paper
Credit Line
Gift of Clare W. Gargalli and Robert B. Waterhouse in memory of Dr. Robert B. Waterhouse
Dimensions
14 3/8" x 18 7/8"

Arguably Robert Riggs’s most revered and reproduced print, Psychopathic Ward depicts unsettled and anxious patients in the Philadelphia State Hospital at Byberry in Northeast Philadelphia. It is one of four lithographs (with Children’s Ward, Ward Rounds, and Accident Ward) commissioned by the pharmaceutical company Smith, Kline, and French, as part of its advertising campaign to promote advances in medicine. The lithographic reproductions were sold as a portfolio to doctors for decoration in their waiting rooms.

With distorted architectural perspective and the awkwardly contorted bodies of the patients, who seem encaged in their room, Riggs’s print presents a disturbing and macabre view of the mental hospital. The triumph of modern medicine seems lost in the anguish of these figures. Riggs made nine sketches in preparation for the print. His final product is a composite of his observations.

Stories Trigger
Blank field used to trigger form on artwork and artist pages. DO NOT EDIT

Share:

Stories

We invite you to share your ideas, knowledge, and stories as they relate to the art in our collection. Read what people had to say about this art or use the form below and write to us yourself.

Name:
Invalid Input
Email:
Invalid Input on Email
Phone:
Invalid Input on Phone
Message:
Invalid Input
Invalid Input