Quack Remedy Collection

Cartoon from Puck, between 1880 and 1889. Creators: Joseph Keppler, Bernhard Gillam
Cartoon from Puck, between 1880 and 1889

The Quack Doctor, after 1763. Creator: Pietro Longhi
The Quack Doctor, after 1763

Removing the Rocks in the Head, c.1550-c.1600. Creator: Unknown
Removing the Rocks in the Head, c.1550-c.1600

The Quack, c.1619-c.1625. Creator: Anon
The Quack, c.1619-c.1625

The Quacksalver, 1648. Creator: Adriaen van Ostade
The Quacksalver, 1648

A Strange Case of Epizooty, from Puck, n.d. Creator: Joseph Keppler
A Strange Case of Epizooty, from Puck, n.d

The Quacksalver (copy). n. d. Creator: Unknown
The Quacksalver (copy).n.d

The Quack, 1610-85. Creator: Adriaen van Ostade
The Quack, 1610-85

The Quack, 1610-85. Creator: Unknown
The Quack, 1610-85

Brandy or Cure Seller, mid to late 17th century. Creator: Abraham Bosse
Brandy or Cure Seller, mid to late 17th century

The Quack Dentist, 1765. Creator: Giacomo Leonardis
The Quack Dentist, 1765

An Intinerant Doctor at Tien-sing, 1843. Artist: P Lightfoot
An Intinerant Doctor at Tien-sing, 1843. After Thomas Allom (1804?1872). From China Illustrated, by Thomas Allom. [Fisher, Son & Co. London & Paris, 1843]

The charlatan of the Middle Ages, c1900. French advertising for Liebig Extract of Meat. Private Collection

Treatment of Tuberculosis using electricity, 1901. Francisque Crotte demonstrating his cure for tuberculosis using electricity produced by an electrostatic machine

A Quack in the Right Place, 1864. Artist: John Tenniel
A Quack in the Right Place; Or, What we Should Like to See, 1864. A quack doctor is pelted with his own preparations, together with carrots and the occasional dead cat

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Through the ages, the enigmatic figure of the quack has intrigued and divided public opinion. From the mysterious Quacksalver of unknown origin, to Adriaen van Ostade's 17th-century depictions, quacks have been a ubiquitous presence in art and folklore. Abraham Bosse's Brandy or Cure Seller and Giacomo Leonardis' The Quack Dentist offer glimpses into the questionable remedies peddled by these charlatans. P Lightfoot's An Intinerant Doctor at Tien-sing and the treatment of tuberculosis using electricity in 1901 illustrate the evolution of quackery in the modern era. John Tenniel's A Quack in the Right Place and scenes from Old St Pauls by William Harrison Ainsworth add to the rich tapestry of quackery in art and literature. Yet, despite their dubious reputation, quacks continue to capture our imagination, serving as a reminder of the complex relationship between belief, faith, and the human desire for healing.