Comité van Gezondheid, 1795 1795

James Gillray created this etching called Comité van Gezondheid in 1795. It satirizes the Batavian Republic's Committee of Public Health, during a period of political upheaval following the French Revolution. Gillray, a sharp observer of society, uses caricature to critique the perceived incompetence and corruption within the committee. The figures surrounding the central, seated character are depicted with grotesque features, exaggerating their roles and suggesting a lack of integrity. Notice the seated character's posture, symbolizing the vulnerabilities of power. The artwork highlights the tense relationship between public health and political control, especially in times of revolution. Gillray invites us to reflect on how authority figures handle crises. It asks how easily the line between care and control can be blurred, reflecting a timeless concern about governance and the well-being of the governed.