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The Hypochondriac, satirical artwork
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The Hypochondriac, satirical artwork
The Hypochondriac. Satirical artwork showing a female patient (centre) suffering from hypochondria, a mental condition where a patient over-reacts to physical symptoms that may be harmless, and thinks they are seriously ill. At left, various thoughts plague her, while at right she attempts to explain her symptoms to a doctor. This artwork, by the English caricaturist Thomas Rowlandson (1756-1827), was published in London in 1792. This copy is from the German book Die Karikatur und Satire in der Medizin (Caricature and Satire in Medicine, 1921) by the German art historian and physician Eugen Hollander (1867-1932)
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Media ID 6331485
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1700s 18th Century 1921 Art History Caricature Caricaturised Death Depression Diagnosing Die Karikatur Und Satire In Der Medizin Doctor Eugen Hollander Fear Fearful Ghost History Of Medicine Home Mental Illness Patient Physician Psychiatric Psychiatry Psychological Psychology Satire Satirical Symptom Symptoms Thinking Thoughts Worried Worry Worrying 1792 Condition Disorder Haunted Hypochondria Hypochondriac Thomas Rowlandson
EDITORS COMMENTS
This satirical artwork, titled "The Hypochondriac" captures the essence of a female patient suffering from hypochondria, a mental condition characterized by an exaggerated reaction to physical symptoms. Created by English caricaturist Thomas Rowlandson in 1792, this illustration showcases the woman at the center, plagued by various thoughts on her left while attempting to explain her symptoms to a doctor on her right. Published in London during the late 18th century, this particular print is featured in the German book "Die Karikatur und Satire in der Medizin" (Caricature and Satire in Medicine) by Eugen Hollander. The artist's depiction highlights the haunting psychological state of hypochondria, where fear and worry dominate one's mind. Rowlandson's caricature expertly portrays both the historical context and societal understanding of medicine during that era. It offers insight into how individuals with hypochondria were perceived and diagnosed during this time period. Through his artistry, Rowlandson captures not only the woman's distress but also sheds light on society's perception of mental illness. This thought-provoking piece serves as a reminder of our evolving understanding of psychiatric disorders throughout history. "The Hypochondriac" remains an important artifact within art history as it explores themes such as overreaction, fear, and disorder through its satirical lens.
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