Bodysnatchers in a church cemetery disturbed by the braying of an ass. Mezzotint, 1771.

Date:
2 May 1771
Reference:
25643i
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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... 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

Reference

Wellcome Collection 25643i

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