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Water closet, 1556
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Water closet, 1556
Water Closet, 1556. A man sitting on a toilet being menaced by a demonic creature. From The Metamorphosis of Ajax by Sir John Harrington. Harrington installed a water closet in his house near Bath in 1589, and recommended it should be flushed once a day
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Media ID 14836068
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Afraid Alarm Demonic Elizabethan Fear Frighten Frightened Frightening Harrington Hygiene Menacing Privy Sanitation Scared Sir John Startled Toilet Ann Ronan Pictures Metaphor Mythical Beast Mythical Creature Water Closet
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This photo print, titled "Water Closet, 1556" takes us back to the intriguing world of Elizabethan England. The image portrays a man sitting on a toilet, seemingly caught off guard by the presence of a menacing demonic creature lurking in the shadows. This unique artwork is derived from Sir John Harrington's renowned book, The Metamorphosis of Ajax. In this composition, fear and mythology intertwine as the mythical beast symbolizes both physical and metaphorical threats that may arise unexpectedly in one's life. It serves as a reminder of how vulnerability can be heightened when we are least prepared or aware. Beyond its artistic value, this print sheds light on an essential aspect of daily life during the sixteenth century – sanitation and hygiene. Sir John Harrington himself installed one of these innovative water closets near Bath in 1589 and even recommended flushing it once a day for optimal cleanliness. The monochrome aesthetic adds depth to the image while emphasizing its historical significance. The startled expression on the man's face captures his genuine alarm at encountering such an otherworldly creature within his private space. Ann Ronan Pictures has beautifully preserved this rare depiction from centuries past, allowing us to appreciate not only its artistic merit but also gain insights into societal norms surrounding health practices during that era.
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