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Bodysnatchers in a church cemetery disturbed by the braying of an ass. Mezzotint, 1771.
- Date
- 2 May 1771
- Pictures
Where to find it
Selected images from this work
About this work
Description
The accompanying verses are ironic in tone since the anatomist holding the lantern is overseeing the grave-robbers, rather than disturbing them in the act. The braying ass and the reference to Balaam in the text refers to Balaam's ass who was given the gift of speech Old Testament, Book of Numbers 22:1-35)
Publication/Creation
London (No. 69 in St Pauls Church Yard) : Carrington Bowles, Map and printseller, 2 May 1771.
Physical description
1 print : mezzotint ; image 24.1 x 35.5 cm
Lettering
The disturbers of the dead put to flight...
Reference
Wellcome Library no. 25643i
Lettering note
Four lines of verse below: Whether Doctor, or Balaam, is most to be prais'd, / Our readers are left in some doubt, / The good Doctor 'tis sure, the Outcry first rais'd' / But the braying compleated the Rout
Type/Technique
Languages
- English