Metallic Tractors

After James Gillray British
Subject Dr. Elisha Perkins American
1802
Not on view
This small copy of a Gillray satire of November 11, 1801 appeared in the periodical "London and Paris" in 1803. The image centers on Dr. Elisha Perkins, an American inventor who claimed that electrified metallic tractors he invented could cure various diseases. Elisha's son Benjamin advertised the device from the house of John Hunter, 18 Leicester Square in London between 1798 and 1802 and Dr. Perkins here applies them to boils on the nose of a man who may be intended to represent John Bull.

Published in Weimar between 1798 and 1815, "London and Paris" reported on cultural and political events in England and France and included reproductions of British and French prints, including many satires and caricatures. These often appeared soon after their initial publication date.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Metallic Tractors
  • Series/Portfolio: London und Paris, vol. IX, pl. VIII
  • Artist: After James Gillray (British, London 1756–1815 London)
  • Subject: Dr. Elisha Perkins (American, 1741–1799)
  • Date: 1802
  • Medium: Hand-colored etching and aquatint
  • Dimensions: plate: 6 7/8 x 8 15/16 in. (17.5 x 22.7 cm)
    sheet: 8 1/16 x 9 15/16 in. (20.5 x 25.2 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Gift of William H. Huntington, 1883
  • Object Number: 83.2.1149
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.