The Sick Doctor
Painted in 1892 this is an oil on panel measuring 32 1/4" x 25
1/2"
The theme of the painting was taken from the satirical play by the
French playwright Mcliere called "The Hypochondriac",
and has two characters,
Argan the Hypochondriac and Thomas Diafonue, the doctor.
The painting depicts the doctor, having shared a huge lobster dinner with
Argan, feeling queasy. Discovering that he accidentally took the powerful
medicine he has prescribed for his patient, he collapses, convinced he
is dying. The painting shows Argan reviving him with a splash of water.
The ironic twist is that the tea contained no medicine after all, for
Argan's servant routinely substituted water for all the doctor's medicines.
The painting is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. James Wenneker of the USA.
