CONSULTATION OF PHYSICIANS

THE UNDERTAKERS’ ARMS

This plate is designed, with much humour, according to the rules of heraldry, and is called “The Undertakers’ Arms,” to show us the connection between death and the quack doctor.  Many of the personages are unquestionably portraits; but as these grave and sage descendants of Galen are long since gone to that place where they before sent their patients, we are unable to ascertain any of them, except the three who are, for distinction, placed in the chief, or most honorable parts of the escutcheon.  Those who, from their exalted situation, we may naturally conclude the most distinguished and sagacious leeches of their day, have marks too obtrusive to be mistaken.  He towards the dexter side of the escutcheon is determined, by an eye in the head of his cane, to be the all-accomplished Chevalier Taylor, in whose marvelous and surprising history, written by his own hand, and published in 1761, is recorded such events, relative to himself and others, as have excited more astonishment than that incomparable romance, Don Belianis of Greece, the Arabian Nights, or Sir John Mandeville’s Travels.

            The center figure, arrayed in a harlequin jacket, with a bone, or what the painter denominates a baton, in the right hand, is generally considered as designed for Mrs. Mapp, a masculine woman, daughter to one Wallin, a bonesetter, at Hindon, in Wiltshire.  This female Thalestris, incompatible as it may seem with her sex, adopted her father’s profession; traveled about the country, called herself Crazy Sally; and, like another Hercules, did wonders by strength of arm.

            On the sinister side is Dr. Ward, generally called Spot Ward, from his left cheek being marked with a claret colour.  This gentleman was of a respectable family, and, though not highly educated, had talents very superior to either of his coadjutors.

            For the chief, this must suffice:  as for the twelve quack heads, and the twelve cane heads, or, consultant, united with cross-bones at the corners, they have a most mortuary appearance, and do indeed convey a general image of death.

            In the time of Lucian, a philosopher was distinguished by these things – his avarice, his impudence, and his beard.  In the time of Hogarth, medicine was a mystery; and there were three things which distinguished the physician – his gravity, his cane-head, and his periwig.  With these leading requisites, this venerable party are most amply gifted.  To specify evry character is not necessary; but the upper figure on the dexter side, with a wig like a weeping willow, should not be overlooked.  His lemon-like aspect must curdle the blood of all his patients.  In the countenances of his brethren there is no want of acids; but, however sour, each individual was in his day –

                        “As doctor of renown, 

                        To none but such as rust in health unknown;

                        And, save or slay, this privilege they claim –

                       Or death, or life, the bright reward’s the same.”

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

Antique prints, etchings, engravings, and lithographs are printing processes which use steel, copper, stone or wood blocks or plates to produce a picture on paper.

Most antique prints and engravings, which are seen on the internet today, are bookplates.  Because they are pages from a book, there are multiple copies in existence.  This does not, however, mean that they are "reproductions" that have been printed recently.  Because they were, at some point, part of books, some have been preserved in excellent condition, while others show signs of age, as yellow spots or darkness on the edge of the page from being handled.

Engravings, lithographs, ect. are high quality pieces of art, as it took a highly trained artist many hours of work to produce one.  Although there may be multiple copies still in existence, the date of the item should be stated in the auction, thus giving the buyer an idea of it's age.

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