Het Gevoel: tandarts 1670 - 1709

Jacob Gole created this engraving titled 'The Feeling: Dentist' sometime between 1670 and 1724. Here we see how dental procedures were perceived during the Dutch Golden Age. The print depicts a scene of intense physical interaction, reflecting both the discomfort and the class dynamics inherent in medical practices of the era. The dentist, often a tradesman rather than a trained doctor, is shown extracting a tooth from a grimacing patient, a moment filled with pain and vulnerability. The raw, unfiltered emotion captured in their expressions provides a glimpse into the personal experiences of health and suffering of that time. The image doesn’t shy away from showing the visceral reality of medical treatment. It moves beyond idealized representations, and acknowledges the difficult, and sometimes brutal, aspects of bodily care. As you look at this image, think about the histories of those often excluded from traditional narratives. It can encourage us to reflect on the social conditions that shape our understanding and experience of health today.