Art and Pediatric Orthopaedics: Bosch, Chronicler of Medieval Disability

The authors investigate how Hieronymus Bosch's artwork, specifically The Procession of Cripples, reflects the understanding and societal attitudes towards disability in late medieval Europe. Through a visual and historical analysis, they identify various musculoskeletal deformities and the use of early mobility aids depicted in the artwork, linking these observations to contemporary pediatric orthopaedic practices aimed at restoring function and independence in affected individuals. Ultimately, the study highlights the historical continuity in the objectives of pediatric orthopaedics.