Details

The Tooth Ache, or, Torment & Torture

HC.J.16.X.8

Thomas Rowlandson (Artist), John Fairburn (Publisher)

Hand coloured engraving on paper by Thomas Rowlandson (1756-1827) in 1823 and published by John Fairburn, Broadway, Ludgate Hill, London, 1st August 1823. A rustic bewigged barber holds a buxom woman's head with his left hand and examines her teeth with his right index finger. A young assistant holds exaggerated forceps and a hand-held cuspidor for the patient to spit into. OBviously, the pain is very severe and the seated victim certainly apprehensive. To the left an elderly woman holds her cheek, perhaps waiting to be the next patient. A bowl to the right appears to be water for hand-washing, a very basic (and ineffective) form of sanitary practise. The poster behind the dentist reads: BARNABY FACTOTUM Draws Teeth, Bleeds & Shaves Wigs made here, also Sausages Wash Balls, black Puddings, Scotch Pills Powder for the Itch Red Herrings, Breeches Balls and small Beer by the maker IN UTRUMQUE PARATUS As shown by the above, specialisation in the medical profession was not common during this period and commercial space was often used for a mutlitude of purposes by one person. 'In Utrumque Paratus' roughly translates as 'Prepared for anything.'