A barber shaving a fat bald-headed Oxford University proctor draped in a sheet. Ink drawing by or after G.M. Woodward, 1797.

  • Woodward, G. M. (George Moutard), approximately 1760-1809.
Date:
1790-1799
Reference:
30282i
  • Pictures

About this work

Description

Woodward illustrates the value of wigs with an anecdote from his visit to Oxford. On passing a barber's shop, he noticed a fat bald man having his face lathered, who appeared to be someone of little consequence (the subject of this drawing). Later he saw the same man, but wearing a wig, "contemplating a curious plant in the physic garden" (the subject of the companion drawing). A gardner told him that "the august personage in question was nothing less than a proctor!".

Publication/Creation

1790-1799

Physical description

1 drawing : ink ; image 17.4 x 19 cm

Related material

Forms a pair with : A proctor with a wig. Oxford in 1797. (Wcat)35663i

Lettering

A proctor without a wig ; Oxford in 1797

Notes

Forms a pair with: Wellcome Library no. 35663i

Reference

Wellcome Collection 30282i

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores

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