The Consultation or Last Hope Possibly 1808

"The Consultation, or Last Hope" is an 1808 hand-colored etching by English artist Thomas Rowlandson, known for his satirical caricatures. This work is a humorous commentary on the medical profession, depicting a group of doctors gathered around a very ill patient, each offering their own diagnosis and treatment. The scene, filled with exaggerated features and comical expressions, showcases Rowlandson's signature style of social commentary through visual satire. The print, currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, provides a glimpse into 19th-century British society and the perceived eccentricities of the medical field.