The Wonderful Doctor

Due to required maintenance, some galleries and artwork may be off view. Learn more

Currently not on view

The Wonderful Doctor

1877

Artist/maker unknown, French Published by Yves et Barret (French, active 1870s)

In addition to spawning characters in opera, the bravado of itinerant quacks also inspired themes for popular music. On the cover of this eight-page annual almanac of fashionable tunes are printed the lyrics of a comic song, "Le Docteur Mirifique." The title character is pictured above proclaiming the exemplary virtues of his product from his chariot. The printed verses include a two-line chorus-"D'zing! boum! boum! D'zing! malatapoum!"-that perfectly captures the tinny syncopated rhythms of the tune banged out by a musician seated on top of the cab.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Titles:

The Wonderful Doctor
Le Docteur Mirifique, Cover of Almanach des Chansons Populaires (Yves et Barret: Paris, 1877)

Date:

1877

Artists:

Artist/maker unknown, French Published by Yves et Barret (French, active 1870s)

Medium:

Metal relief print (gillotage)

Dimensions:

Image and sheet: 17 3/4 x 11 1/4 inches (45.1 x 28.6 cm)

Classification:

Prints

Credit Line:

The William H. Helfand Collection, 2004

Accession Number:

2004-99-30

Geography:

Made in France, Europe

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Currently not on view

More like this:

1/12