An overview of global artistic responses to epidemics and pandemics.
13th century to today
Art throughout the world often encoded the impact of diseases on people.
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!
Bank of America's Masterpiece Moment
Hasegawa Tōhaku, Pine Trees
with Masami Zenyia, Executive Director of the Tokyo National Museum
Crafted in the 16th century, this pair of six-panel screens is painted in ink on paper and showcases both Yamato-e and Chinese painting styles. The work features pine trees―a typical Japanese motif―and it has beautifully captured the richness of a Japanese landscape.