Mesmers Tub Satirised
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Mesmers Tub Satirised
A satire on Mesmers tub Date: 1790
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14270107
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1790 Altered Hypnosis Mesmer Mesmers Satire Satirised Paranormal
EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing print, titled "Mesmers Tub Satirised," offers a humorous take on the popular yet controversial practice of Mesmerism, a form of paranormal healing that gained widespread popularity in Europe during the late 18th century. The image, created in 1790, depicts a man lying in a tub, surrounded by various bizarre objects, including a rooster, a snake, and a frog. The man appears to be in an altered state, with his eyes rolled back and his mouth agape. The satirical nature of the print is evident in the exaggerated and grotesque depiction of the objects and the man's expression. The tub itself, a central component of Mesmeric treatments, is shown to be overflowing with water, suggesting the absurdity and potential danger of the practice. Mesmerism, named after its founder Franz Mesmer, involved the use of magnets and a special tub filled with water to induce a trance-like state in the patient. Believers claimed that this state allowed the body to heal itself, while skeptics saw it as a form of quackery. The practice was widely criticized by the medical community, and this satirical print reflects the skepticism and ridicule that Mesmerism faced. Despite the controversy, Mesmerism continued to gain popularity, with many prominent figures, including Marie Antoinette and Benjamin Franklin, reportedly trying the treatment. The practice eventually gave way to the development of hypnosis and other forms of psychotherapy. Today, this print serves as a fascinating reminder of the history of paranormal beliefs and the role of satire in challenging and criticizing societal norms.
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