Kwakzalver 1660

"Kwakzalver" (1660) is an etching by Italian artist Giuseppe Maria Mitelli (1634-1718) held in the Rijksmuseum. The artwork depicts a satirical scene of a quack doctor, upside down, with his feet in the air, highlighting the absurdity of his profession. The print, measuring 290 x 340 mm, uses detailed hatching to create tonal variations, lending depth and character to the figure. Mitelli, known for his caricatures and satirical works, utilized this artwork to expose the charlatanism of the medical profession in 17th century Italy.