The English Dance of Death, illustrations by Thomas Rowlandson,

The English Dance of Death, illustrations by Thomas Rowlandson,

Social satire, Medicine in art

In The English Dance of Death Rowlandson applies his morbid sense of humor to a narrative poem by William Combe. The Quack Doctor depicts a busy apothecary mixing medicine for a line of anxious patients, while a man with gout, perhaps a regular customer, waits in a chair. Over his shoulder the man sees Death, who works a mortar and pestle labeled "Slow Poison" while watching for new clients in a mirror. The apothecary, however, assures that “These curious Panaceas will / If well applied cure every ill.” The fish hanging from the ceiling, which no one seems to notice, identifies him as an untrustworthy merchant whose goods “stink” like an old fish.

William Combe (1742–1823) and Thomas Rowlandson (1756-1827)

from The English Dance of Death

D. Appleton, New York

1903

Debra Cashion, in collaboration with Elisabeth Barrett, '15

Printed book on paper

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