'Framing Disability exhibition' Joseph Clark (died circa 1650) (tactile)
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- Synopsis
- Etching by unknown artist; circa 1792; 14.5 cm by 10 cm. Joseph Clark lived in Pall Mall, London, during the first half of the 17th century. He was a contortionist and described as ˜the most extraordinary Posture Master that ever existed who exhibited every species of deformity and dislocation'. His nickname was ˜the wandering tumour'. Apparently, Clark had been able to contort his limbs and face since childhood, which suggests that he had what doctors might now label ˜hypermobility' or subluxation of the joints. In other words what would have once been considered a ˜talent' or ˜wonder' has been medicalised. Clark entertained by performing feats of contortion. With his ˜absolute command of all his muscles and joints' and ability to ˜disjoint almost his whole body' he could be hunch backed, pot bellied or sharp breasted. He would trick people such as tailors who had measured his ˜norm body for clothes, by claiming that they had measured him incorrectly. He would also beg as a disabled person from people he knew, and he was so convincing that they did not recognise him. It was said that the ˜powers of his face were more extraordinary than the flexibility of his body'. In this way, Clark was able to assume a number of identities. Apparently, James Moleyns (circa1580-1638), a famous surgeon of the day was so shocked at the sight of Clark that he would not attempt a cure - not that he could anyway. Clark was mentioned by the diarist and writer, John Evelyn (1620-1706) in his book, Numismata (1697), and his fame lasted well into the 18th century, as attested by this image dated 1792. Images of this sort, which appeared in Wonderful Magazine, might be stuck up in public places such as coffee shops or taverns. Description of portrait Clark is shown standing with a hunched back and protruding abdomen, his right leg in front of his left, facing to the right with his face in side profile. He has a large nose and long tongue protruding from his mouth. His hair is short and combed forward over his forehead. He wears a long-sleeved buttoned jerkin with the buttons sticking out along the front edge highlighting the curvature of his abdomen. A key on a cord is looped through a button hole of the jerkin is tied with a bow at the top of his chest. His right arm is bent at the elbow and held across his body with his right hand resting on his right upper thigh. He has stockinged legs with knee-length breeches and buckled shoes with a slight heel. His right foot is twisted backwards so that the toes of the foot are facing the toes of his left foot. Tactile image details The tactile image is just over twice the size of the actual etching. Thick lines outline the figure. Three textures show the clothes - one for the breeches, one for the jerkin and one for the stockings. Solid texture shows the eyes, tongue, buttons, key on cord and shoes. Thinner lines show the hair.
- Copyright:
- 2011
Book Details
- Book Quality:
- Excellent
- Publisher:
- RNIB
- Date of Addition:
- 05/26/17
- Copyrighted By:
- RNIB
- Adult content:
- No
- Language:
- English
- Has Image Descriptions:
- No
- Categories:
- Health, Mind and Body
- Submitted By:
- Ian Green
- Proofread By:
- N/A
- Usage Restrictions:
- This is a copyrighted book.