ca. 1715 but with later 20th century additions of cufflink]. Pair of round silver coloured metal disks (nickel?), 27 x 27mm, embossed with two different images showing the ‘treatment’ and ‘relief’, with cufflink attached on verso, one marked ‘sterling’ and so presumably added later (20th century?), both with some patination, a little soiled and darkened, with some minor scratching, otherwise good. A wonderful pair of cufflinks, inspired by, and indeed most probably depicting King Louis XIV of France (1638-1715) taking an enema, and vividly satirising the craze for ‘lavements’ which was prevalent amongst aristocratic circles in Paris, and indeed across Europe, at the time. Having handled a set previously, we believe that they were originally buttons which could be adapted, and have subsequently had added on cufflinks - possibly during the 20th century as one cufflink is lettered ‘sterling’.
The present set is comprised of two different images: the first depicting the enema being administered to the prostrate patient - a chamber-pot close at hand. The administrator seems to be taking some delight in the discomfort being inflicted! The second image shows the ‘after-effects’: the patient now seated on said chamber-pot relieving themselves. A close inspection of the first button reveals very small ‘fleur-de-lis’ in the background, leading to our assumption that these were produced in France.
The Sun King ruled from 1643 until his death, and was a particular devotee of the fashion for using enemas on a regular basis. Convinced that inner ‘lavements’ purified the complexion and produced good health, it was common amongst the fashionable to take as many as three or four enemas a day. Louis XIV is rumoured to have had over 2000 during his reign, sometimes holding court whilst the procedure was being carried out, and he was a fervent believer that the regular enemas were the reason behind his good health and long life. The phenomena became so ‘de rigeur’ that apparently during a court ball, whilst the Duchesse de Bourgogne was engaged in a conversation with Louis XIV himself, her maid slipped in under the Duchesses' elaborate ball gown and performed an enema right on the spot! Aristocratic enemas were often delicately tinted and scented with either rose, orange or angelica. Somewhat inevitably, the craze was often burlesqued on the stage, notably by Moliere, and it was a lively topic of elegant discourse in the salons.