Satiric Prints Collection
Dublin Core
Title
Satiric Prints Collection
Collection Items
Calves' Heads and Brains, or A Phrenological Lecture
Even in the first years of its popularity during the early nineteenth century, phrenology was a source of amusement to many and became a target for a number of satiric artists of the day, such as George Cruikshank, the "Phiz" illustrator of Charles…
The dissecting room
This lithographic print is based on an original watercolor by Thomas Rowlandson now in the collection of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. It is believed to depict William Hunter (1718-1783) leading students in anatomical dissections in his…
A Cure for the Gout
In this political commentary, Doyle uses gout as a metaphor for the discomfort of the political party that has long been out of favor. When Lord Holland discovers that his party, the Whigs, have been returned to power his gout is cured. Lord Holland…
A Case of Indigestion
In this satire Doyle depicts the Duke of Gloucester with a case of indigestion. The Duke is apparently unaware that of his discomfort is caused by his host's insults at dinner as the doctor states, "Something in the Chancellor's dinner has certainly…
The Toothache or Torment and Torture
Rowlandson comments on dentistry in this work, suggesting that treatment in the days before anesthesia was as painful as the ailment.
Metallic Tractors
In 1796 Elisha Perkins, a physician from Connecticut, patented the metallic tractors shown in this print. He claimed the tractors could cure disease through electric force. Gillray's skepticism of this treatment is clear in this satire.
Comfort to the Corns
Gillray, true to the form of caricature, exaggerates the size of the woman's features and the knife she uses to rid herself of corns.
Dr. Sangrado Curing John Bull of Repletion
An excellent example of the use of medical metaphor for political comment, this print depicts one of Gillray's favorite targets, Henry Addington, Prime Minister 1801-1804, bleeding John Bull (Great Britain). Addington, the son of a physician, was…
Satirical engravings
Physicians and the practice of medicine were common subjects for humorous illustrators and caricaturists in the early 19th century. Charles Williams, who worked for the London publisher and print seller, S. W. Fores, produced this set of four…
L'Anestesia
19th century, Italian etching (possibly a reprint of an 18th century original). A dentist prepares his patient for a “painless” extraction with the help of a club in this comic illustration.
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- Artwork and Artifacts
- Satiric Prints Collection