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This media is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
Artist
Unidentified Artist
Sitter
Dorothea Lynde Dix, 4 Apr 1802 - 18 Jul 1887
Date
c. 1849
Type
Photograph
Medium
Half-plate daguerreotype
Dimensions
Image/Sight: 12.1 × 8.9 cm (4 3/4 × 3 1/2")
Mat (brass): 14 × 10.9 cm (5 1/2 × 4 5/16")
Case open: 15.4 × 24.7 × 1.3 cm (6 1/16 × 9 3/4 × 1/2")
Case closed: 15.4 × 12.3 × 2 cm (6 1/16 × 4 13/16 × 13/16")
Dorothea Lynde Dix: Society and Social Change\Reformer\Activist
Dorothea Lynde Dix: Society and Social Change\Reformer\Humanitarian
Dorothea Lynde Dix: Medicine and Health\Nurse
Portrait
Credit Line
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Object number
NPG.77.261
Exhibition Label
Born Hampden, Maine
In 1841, teacher, humanitarian, and reformer Dorothea Dix launched a vigorous campaign to secure humane treatment for those living with mental illness. At a time when these individuals were more often imprisoned and abused than cared for and treated, Dix became a tireless advocate for their welfare. Personally investigating the “cages, cellars, stalls, [and] pens” in which they were confined and reported her findings in speeches and articles, as well as in the petitions she submitted to lawmakers. Thanks to her efforts, such institutions were greatly expanded and improved.
Nacida en Hampden, Maine
En 1841, la maestra, humanitaria y reformista Dorothea Dix lanzó una vigorosa campaña por el trato compasivo de los que vivían con enfermedades mentales. En tiempos en que lo común era confinar y maltratar a estas personas, en vez de darles cuidado y tratamiento, Dix fue una defensora incansable de su bienestar. Investigó personalmente las “jaulas, sótanos, cubículos [y] corrales” donde se les recluía y divulgó sus hallazgos en conferencias, artículos y peticiones a los legisladores. Gracias a sus esfuerzos, se lograron notables mejoras y ampliaciones en dichas instituciones.
