Broadside advertising Dr. Miller's santitarium

Probably Unique Nineteenth-Century American Medical Broadside Advertisement, Illustrated by One of America's First Lithographers

Miller. Doctr. Miller has erected a commodious house in Franklin . . . Engraved advertising circular, illustrated with an engraving of Miller's sanatorium by Thomas Wightman (fl. 1811) after I. R. [i.e., John Ritto] Penniman (1782-1841). N.p., n.d. [before 1884]. 173 x 210 mm. Laminated on paper, some marginal spotting, moderate toning.

Probably Unique American Medical Broadside advertising Dr. Miller's sanatorium, located in Franklin, Mass., about 20 miles southwest of Boston. According to the advertisement, Dr. Miller's establishment treated "persons labouring under the Cancer, Stone in the Bladder, Cataract and other diseases of the Eye, Hydrocele, White Swellings, swelled Legs, Fistula, Polypus, Hare Lips, Wens, Eruptions of the Skin and Ulcerations in general." The advertisement further states that "much pains have been taken to make this a place of resort, where Invalids will receive every attention, which may render their situation comfortable & pleasant. Ladies will find suitable accommodations."

The illustration of Miller's sanatorium that heads the circular was drawn by John Ritto Penniman, "described as 'perhaps the most skilled, inventive and versatile ornamental artist and draftsman of his time in America' (Antiques magazine, July 1981)". Penniman was also one of American's first lithographers, credited for making the first drawing on stone ever done in the United States (Zellman, 300 Years of American Art, p. 94). An inscription on the back of the circular, partially obscured by the lamination, is dated Feb. 2, 1884. Benezit for the artists.