concept

A monster representing an influenza virus hitting a man over the head as he sits in his armchair. Pen and ink drawing by E. Noble, c. 1918.

Two outlines of faces expressing admiration (left) and astonishment (right). Etching by B. Picart, 1713, after C. Le Brun.

Four faces expressing (clockwise from top left): admiration mixed with astonishment, admiration, veneration, and ecstasy. Etching by A.-J. Defehrt after C. Le Brun.

A female figure expressing admiration touched with astonishment. Crayon manner print by W. Hebert, c. 1770, after C. Le Brun.

Two Irishmen in Brighton open a smuggled barrel of what they think is whiskey with a red-hot poker, but it contains gunpowder and explodes. Etching after Cruikshank.

A gentlemen pays an unexpected call on a lady friend only to discover she is in the middle of having an enema. Line engraving by F. Dequevauviller, 1786, after N. Lafrensen the younger.

The dissecting room of an anatomist, with a man thought to be dead waking up and sitting up in his coffin. Drawing, 183- (?).

Two outlines of faces showing astonishment and fear (left) and laughter (right). Etching by B. Picart, 1713, after C. Le Brun.

A physician reeling with surprise at an obese elderly man's pulse, the patient is grinning at a woman who approaches him with a tray full of food and wine. Photogravure after J.G. Vibert.

An episode in Tristram Shandy: Dr. Slop being introduced to Tristram Shandy's father, who is smoking with a friend in his parlour. Stipple engraving by W. Haines, 1809, after L. Sterne.

Christ appearing to the apostle Thomas holds his wrist and invites him to touch the wound in his side. Stipple engraving by B. Smith, 1826, after G.A. Galli, il Spadarino.

Jupiter on his eagle descends to rape Semele. Engraving by J.B Haussard after Perino del Vaga.

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An episode in Tristram Shandy: Dr. Slop being introduced to Tristram Shandy's father, who is smoking with a friend in his parlour. Stipple engraving by W. Haines, 1809, after L. Sterne.

Christ appearing to the apostle Thomas holds his wrist and invites him to touch the wound in his side. Stipple engraving by B. Smith, 1826, after G.A. Galli, il Spadarino.

Two outlines of faces showing astonishment and fear (left) and laughter (right). Etching by B. Picart, 1713, after C. Le Brun.

Jupiter on his eagle descends to rape Semele. Engraving by J.B Haussard after Perino del Vaga.

A gentlemen pays an unexpected call on a lady friend only to discover she is in the middle of having an enema. Line engraving by F. Dequevauviller, 1786, after N. Lafrensen the younger.