The Quacksalver 1785

"The Quacksalver" (1785) by Franz Anton Maulbertsch is a dynamic etching that depicts a scene of a traveling quack doctor, or "quacksalver," performing a demonstration for a crowd of curious onlookers. The artist uses detailed lines and hatches to capture the energy and commotion of the scene, with figures jostling for a better view of the spectacle. The quacksalver, a prominent figure in the foreground, holds a bottle and points to a bowl, emphasizing his role as a charlatan who promised miraculous cures. The print offers a glimpse into the social realities and entertainment trends of the 18th century, showcasing the fascination with medicine and the gullibility of the masses.