Margaret Tibery

5 Dec 1838

In 1838, at just ten weeks old, Margaret Tibery suffered with an infection in one eye so severe that she could no longer see with it. The area around the eye was also swollen and bruised.

Being so young, Margaret would not have understood why she was suffering from such pain and discomfort. 

9 February 1839

From her expression, captured in the illustration drawn after treatment, we can see that she was feeling a lot better, despite not being fully healed. The illustrations capture the process of recovery over a few months. We can see Margaret growing and her health improving through facial expressions and demeanour.

It is uncommon to see such advanced infections in modern clinical settings. Being able to look back – and see the path of treatment through illustrations – we can gain a better understanding of that time.