Mrs. Harlowe as Beatrice

Mrs. Harlowe as Beatrice

Social satire, Medicine in art

The popular theme of the quack physician became a staple for playwrights such the English playwright Edward Ravenscroft (ca. 1654-1707). Today this author of the Restoration period (1660-1710) is relatively unknown, but his farce The Anatomist or The Sham Doctor, once enjoyed great success both on stage and in multiple editions in print. From the first production in 1696 it was performed regularly at Drury Lane and Lincoln’s Inn Fields until well into the nineteenth century. Its longevity relied on stereotypes developed by Molière, such as the wise and sensible maid-servant Beatrice, portrayed in Rowlandson’s time by Sarah Harlowe (1765-1852), famous for her comedic roles.

Richard Cooper

Edward Ravenscroft, The Anatomist, or Sham Doctor, London: John Cawthorn, 1807

John Cawthorne

1807

Debra Cashion, in collaboration with Elisabeth Barrett, '15

Engraving

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Still image

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