The battle of the cataplasm [graphic]Bretherton, James, approximately 1730-1806, printmaker[3 February 1773]engA scene from Tristram Shandy in which Susannah stands holdings her nose with her right hand while in her left she holds a candle over the cradle where the swaddled infant Tristram lies with a plaster on his nose. She addressed the doctor with obvious fury, her mouth agape. On the left Dr. Slop raises his left fist at her while in his right he holds a cataplasm in a ladle, ready to fling at her. His hat lies at his feet, and his wig is ablaze. Obadiah stands behind him carrying in his hands a chamber pot and a bowl, a medicine bottle tucked under his arm. The two men stand before a screen. The walls of the room are hung with portraits and a mirror; a grandfather's clock showing the time as 6:15 stands against the wall behind the cradle and Susannah. Two medicine bottles sit on a table partially hidden behind the screen. In the foreground lies an over-turned chairTitle etched below image.Initial letters of artist's name in signature form a monogram.Sheet trimmed within plate mark.Eight lines of quoted text below image, four on either side of title: "Susannah rowing one way & looking another, set fire to Dr. Slop's wig, which being somewhat bushy & unctuous withal was as soon burnt as kindled ..." Vide Tris. Shandy vol. 4.Temporary local subject terms: Medical: Cataplasm -- 'Dr. Slop' -- Dishes: Bowls -- Lighting: Long handle candlesticks -- Domestic service: Maid -- Furniture: Hall clock -- Folding screen.Mounted on page 91 of: Bunbury album.