‘Macassar Oil, An Oily Puff for Soft Heads’, 1814

Description

Framed and mounted hand coloured etching, entitled ‘MACASSAR OIL, An Oily Puff for Soft Heads.’, designed by Thomas Rowlandson, etched by anon, and published by Thomas Tegg in 1814.

In the corner of a room lined with shelves of bottles and a large jar with a mug placed on its lip; a perfumer, in apron and cap, stands beside a fat man seated in a chair above a wide brimmed bowl.

The perfumer applies the latest quack remedy of Macassar Oil or Rowlands Oil to the man’s bald head from a straw covered bottle. On the floor next to the man is his tall “FOOLS CAP” with asses’ ears.

Behind, a fat lady regards her upright hair with some surprise in a mirror under a notice: “Wonderful Discovery carroty or Grey Whiskers changed to Black Brown or Blue_____”. Lettered in the upper right corner: “Macassar Oil for the Growth of Hair is the finest invention ever known for increasing hair on bald Places. Its virtues are pre-eminent for improving and beautifying the Hair of Ladies and Gentlemen___This invaluable Oil