Details

Le Dentiste

HC.J.16.X.42

Jacques Philippe LEBAS (Artist)

Late eighteenth century copper plate engraving by Jacques Philippe Le Bas or Lebas (1707-1783) after the painting by David Teniers the young (1610-1690) with slight variations. Same print as HC.J.16.X.41 except different script. It portrays an elderley dentist seated in an armchair holding an instrument with a molar tooth, which he has extracted from the youth behind the pharmacy jars to the left. The painting by Teniers was originally owned by Charles le Brun; and inherited by his grand-nephew who allowed Le Bas to engrave it. The translated script reads: 'This is dedicated to His Excellency, Mgr. le Vicomte de Choiseul [1719-1795], Brigadier-General in the King's [Louix XV] Army and Ambassador-Extraordinary [1768-71] at the Court of the King of Sicily [Ferdinand I]. By his humble and obedient servant, J. P. Le Bas, rue de la Harpe, Paris.'

Eighteenth century, late