De tandentrekker 1743 - 1803

"De tandentrekker," or "The Tooth Puller," was made by Giovanni Volpato, and it's a print, meaning it was created from an etched metal plate. Volpato was a printmaker, and prints like these were crucial for circulating images widely. Note the stark contrast of the lines, achieved by carefully incising the metal, which shows a bustling scene. This isn’t high society; it's a tooth-pulling operation, probably a quick, painful, and affordable option for the working class. Look closely, and you can see the patient is seated on a ladder; not exactly a dentist's chair. The printmaking process itself is significant here. It allowed for multiples, making art accessible beyond the elite. The labor of the artist, painstakingly etching the plate, contrasts with the somewhat crude dentistry depicted. Prints like this challenge our notions of "fine art," showing how skilled craftsmanship could intersect with everyday life and social commentary.