This is an antique print looking at the early history of dentistry. It is not a later reproduction but is now over 225 years old. It is a genuine 18th Century Georgian print - with engraved lines printed onto the sheet and then hand-coloured with subtle watercolour washes.
The print is a stipple engraving and in excellent condition with no spotting, staining or tears. The original watercolours are clean with no signs of fading. It still retains its original grey and yellow wash decorative border.
The subject features a dentist in a red coat examining the teeth of a patient. His tooth must be giving him a lot of trouble and he winces with pain and clutches onto his leg. It is a primitive procedure and the only equipment shown at the dentist's disposal is a tall wooden stool for his patient to sit on and a prod to check infected teeth. The work was published by Hannah Humphrey, London after a composition by James Gillray. It has been catalogued as No. 8909 in the BM Catalogue of Satires.
James Gillray, the most eminent of English caricaturists. He was born in 1757 and began studying at the Royal Academy. Gillray worked as an engraver but it is as a caricaturist that he is best known. From 1779 onwards Gillray’s improvement was rapid and extraordinary; it is believed he etched his ideas onto the copper without making any proper drafts. For many years he lived with his doting publisher Mrs. Humphrey. During this time he produced nearly all of his best work, which was eagerly bought up and circulated throughout England and Europe.
There is an impression in the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery in London, and also the Royal Society of Surgeons of England, etc. So most definitely a bit of a museum piece.
The image is entitled below "Easing the Tooth-ach" and has the publication line "Pub. May 7th, 1796 by H. Humphrey, New Bond Street" and "Engraved by T.As"
The image (at the external point of the wash border) measures 22.5 x 18.5 cm. The frame size is 34 x 29 cm.
These antique dentistry prints are hard to find and are now highly collectable.
This print is in good antique condition. We have had it framed up for sale - and it has a new cream colour acid-free window mount and a simple black wood frame.
It is beautifully presented and ready for you to hang on your wall.
UK Postage will be with Royal Mail Special Next Day Delivery. This will cost £10 and applied to your order at the checkout.