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Cartoon, The Cow Pock
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Cartoon, The Cow Pock
Cartoon, The Cow Pock, or, the Wonderful Effects of the New Inoculation! by James Gillray. Depicting a scene at the Smallpox and Inoculation Hospital, St Pancras, London, with a cowpox vaccine being administered to an apprehensive woman, and cow shapes emerging from different parts of peoples bodies. There was controversy over this new treatment being used against the dreaded smallpox, with fears that bovine features might result. The doctor depicted could represent either Edward Jenner or another medical man, George Pearson. Date: 1802
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Media ID 14230257
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1800s 1802 Apprehensive Bovine Comment Controversial Controversy Criticism Effects Features Gillray Harsh Health Inoculation Jenner Pancras Pearson Satire Satirical Shapes Smallpox Treatment Vaccination Vaccine Wonderful Cowpox
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Cow Pock," or, The Wonderful Effects of the New Inoculation!: A Harsh Satirical Comment on the Controversial Cowpox Vaccination of the Early 19th Century This intriguing and thought-provoking cartoon by James Gillray, created in 1802, offers a vivid depiction of the Smallpox and Inoculation Hospital at St. Pancras, London, during the height of the controversy surrounding the new cowpox vaccination. The central focus of the image is an apprehensive woman, seated in a chair, as a doctor, possibly Edward Jenner or George Pearson, administers the cowpox vaccine to her arm. The fear and uncertainty etched on her face mirrors the public's apprehension towards this new medical treatment. The satirical nature of the cartoon is evident in the grotesque cow shapes emerging from various parts of the people in the background, fueling the rumors and fears that bovine features might result from the vaccination. The cowpox vaccine, which was used to prevent smallpox, was a controversial topic at the time, with many questioning its safety and efficacy. The political undertones of the cartoon are also noteworthy. The use of satire and harsh criticism was a common tool employed by political cartoonists during the 1800s to comment on current events and societal issues. In this case, Gillray's "The Cow Pock" serves as a powerful commentary on the ongoing debate surrounding the cowpox vaccination and the role of medicine in public health. This historical print, with its intricate details and rich symbolism, offers a unique glimpse into the political and social climate of the early 19th century, making it an invaluable addition to any collection of historical cartoons and satirical art.
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