‘Le Glouton’, 1736

Description

Mounted hand coloured etching and engraving, entitled ‘LE GLOUTON’, designed by Paterre, etched and published by Filloeul in 1736.

A glutton is being reluctantly dragged from the table, the scene of his feast. He is surrounded by people and scavenging dogs. An apothecary, wearing an apron for protection and armed with a large clyster syringe, advances on him.

The apothecary’s cocked hat and cane rest on a chair behind him. The apothecary’s assistants, carrying a commode and fresh clysters, enter from the right.

Lettered in French below design: “Un Glouton opulent, qui faison ses delices. De remplir a grands frais son ventre spacieux, Et de voir entasser a differents services. Sur sa table des mets friands et precieux, Ordonne qua souper pour lui seul on appreste. Un Elurgeon auguel on note que la teste. Il soupe; mais bientot il creve, il n’en peut plus. L’Apoticaire envain lui donne maint distere, Tous les secours de l’Art deviennent superflus. Ah, Dit-il, si mourir est un point necessaire, Pour