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Charlatan or Quack Doctor - 17th century England
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Charlatan or Quack Doctor - 17th century England
A Charlatan peddling patent medicines to gullible 17th century purchsers - pictured here with a monkey assistant.
17th century
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23035242
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Tom Gillmor
Assistant Bottle Charlatan Cure Cures Doctor Health Medicines Monkey Patent Peddling Pictured Potions Quack Seller Selling Seventeeth
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative 17th century image captures the essence of charlatanry and quackery as peddled by itinerant healers during an era when the quest for health and wellness knew no bounds. In this intriguing tableau, a charlatan, dressed in the robes of a learned scholar, confidently offers his potions and elixirs to a rapt audience, their hopeful expressions betraying their belief in the miraculous cures he promises. The charlatan's monkey assistant, perched on a nearby barrel, adds an air of intrigue and mischief to the scene. Monkeys were often used by quacks to symbolize healing powers and to entertain potential customers, making the sale of their questionable remedies more appealing. The charlatan's wares are displayed on a makeshift table, a colorful array of bottles and vials filled with mysterious concoctions. The labels on the bottles, adorned with elaborate illustrations and promises of healing, would have enticed the gullible purchasers with their claims of cures for ailments both common and uncommon. Despite the obvious deception, the allure of quick and easy cures was too strong for many to resist. The charlatan's siren call, fueled by the desperation of those seeking relief, made him a fixture on the streets of 17th century England. This image serves as a stark reminder of the enduring human desire for health and the lengths to which some were willing to go to satisfy it, even if it meant falling prey to the charms of a charlatan.
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