This image is singled out from a series mocking the Hungarian minister of public works and transport, Baron Gábor Kemény. Known as an advocate of Hungarian economic modernization, Kemény seems to be faulted here for raising long-winded written objections to convening the next session of parliament, at a time when cholera was recurring in Hungary. “It is getting on toward autumn,” writes the satirist in his voice. “It would no longer be possible to hold an outdoor session. On the other hand, health conditions, if not frightening, do call for caution. Therefore, instead of giving the appropriate clarifications in person at the session, I will do so in this open letter.” Here even cholera is put off by his stentorian prose.
(Bolond Istók, Budapest, 1886)
Sic Transit Pestilentia 