Metallic-tractors

Gillray, James, 1756-1815 · November 11, 1801

A fat citizen (three-quarter length), seated in an armchair, endures an operation upon the carbuncles of his bloated nose. The operator (left), thin and high-shouldered, holds the patient's forehead and applies a small pointed instrument (a metallic tractor) causing flames to gush from nose and nostrils. On a small table (left) are a decanter of 'Brandy' with a jug and steaming glass, lemon, and sugar, the patient's pipe lying across a newspaper. On the wall (right) is a picture of an infant Bacchus, astride a cask, holding out a decanter and a glass (BM).