A Follower of Broussais (plate 7) 1843

Charles Jacque created "A Follower of Broussais" as a lithograph, a printmaking technique that allowed for more accessible distribution of images during the 19th century. This work offers a glimpse into the cultural and intellectual climate of the time, marked by debates over medical practices. The print subtly critiques the medical theories of François-Joseph-Victor Broussais, who advocated for bloodletting and strict diets as universal treatments. Jacque captures a scene of a gaunt patient attended by figures who seem to be struggling with Broussais’s severe prescriptions. There is an emotional weight to the image, reflecting societal anxieties around healthcare and the body. This artwork invites us to consider the power dynamics between doctor and patient, and how medical practices are shaped by both scientific understanding and cultural beliefs. What does it mean to trust authority figures with our bodies?