Wohltätigkeit – Charity
Peinliche Bruchbude – embarassing dump
Das Armenbad in Baden-Baden – The baths for the poor in Baden-Baden
In the early modern period, the state and wealthy spa guests financed ‘baths for the poor’ in spa centres. There, the poor received free bathing cures as well as cheap accommodation and catering. These facilities did not offer any comfort. The baths for the poor on the market square in Baden-Baden was completely run-down and was replaced by a new building on the outskirts of the town. This created space for prestigious buildings in the town centre. In addition wealthy spa guests were presumably spared the sight of the poor baths and its guests. In 1818, the painter Johann Schaffroth captured the interior of the old building shortly before it was demolished. The plan of the new baths shows that, in addition to individual bathtubs, a larger pool was also planned. Gender segregation was strictly observed.
From left to right
Two Interior views of the former baths for the poor in Baden-Baden, Johann Schaffroth, 1818
Baden-Baden city archives
Plan of the new baths for the poor in Baden-Baden, around 1809
Baden-Baden city archives
