‘Doctor Blowbladder Discovering the Perpetual Motion’, 1772

Description

Mounted hand coloured mezzotint and etching entitled ‘DOCTOR BLOWBLADDER discovering the PERPETUAL MOTION.’, designed and etched by anon, and published by Carington Bowles, 1772. Undated.

This caricature depicts an elderly, stout and old fashioned doctor feeling the pulse of a fashionably dressed, demure young lady. He glances thoughtfully at her and distractedly sniffs his cane. In his pocket is a bottle labelled “Blessed Medicine”. Gum arabic has been employed in the colouring to add depth to the shadows.