In het land der levenden

Published on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Vereniging tot opvoeding en verpleging geesteszwakke kinderen (Society for education and nursing of mentally handicapped children), this photobook captures intimate stories of life, sickness, death, and personal loss in post-war Holland. The work documents how individuals with severe illnesses or mental disabilities are cared for in various institutions, focusing on the daily activities, therapies, and creative occupations provided to them. Ad Windig's photography is noted for its respectful and high-quality depiction of patients, often showing them engaged in crafts like knitting or building models. The book serves as a visual narrative of the care environments in the Netherlands during the mid-20th century, balancing documentary observation with a humanist approach to depicting human dignity within medical and social institutions.