Hob And Stage Doctor
HC.J.16.X.69
Woodcut print on paper, probably by William Davison (1781-1858), early 19th century.
A mountebank extracting a maxillary central incisor tooth from a rustic. Both are seated on an improvised stage. The hob, standing beside them, is endeavouring to distract attention from the painful procedure by his clowing. The reaction of the crowd is apprehension mixed with mirth.
Printed by W. Davison, Alnwick.Washes of colour in a few areas have been added to enliven the piece, possibly reflecting the mix of emotions within the onlookers
Nineteenth century, early
