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Messenger Monsey (1693–1788) was a physician who despised modern medical improvements and stuck to old habits. He was a country doctor in Bury St Edmunds until a chance meeting with the Earl of Godolphin led to his appointment to Chelsea Hospital and life in London’s high society. Monsey left his body for dissection, contacting the anatomist a few days before death to warn him to be ready to proceed. Little is known of the father-and-daughter artists Thomas and Mary Black. Thomas was mainly employed painting draperies for more successful painters, and Mary usually painted copies of old masters. In a letter from Monsey to Mary Black, the doctor wrote: ‘I was bedevilled to let you make your first attempt upon my gracefull person… drawn like a Hog in armour’.
Royal College of Physicians, London
London
Title
Messenger Monsey (1693–1788)
Date
1764
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 127 x W 101.6 cm
Accession number
X117
Acquisition method
gift from Frederick Walford, 1877
Work type
Painting
