The Country Tooth Drawer
Object numberHC.J.16.X.78
TitleThe Country Tooth Drawer
CreatorArtist Unknown (originator), Bowles & Carver (agent)
DescriptionColoured mezzotint. The scene is the interior of an eighteenth-century smithy. The blacksmith is extracting, with home-made and oversize forceps, a maxiallary central incisor for an elderly woman who cluthches at his turban with one hand and her own hat with the other. The husband watches with apprehension and diapproval. Printed for and sold by Bowles & Carver. Companion to HC.J.16.X.79.
The legend read:
Why dame how you hollow! and hold by my horn
I never heard such a noise since I was born.
How you pinch up your hat, and squeeze up your eyes,
You've broke both the drums of my ears with your cries.
That I hurt you, you ne'er shal make me believe,
It's easy as drawing a pin from one's sleeve;
I challenge the Country for drawing you fool,
I've drawn teeth with prongs like a three-legged stool.
No doubt on't quoth Gaffer, and lifts up his hand,
Yet half of an hour is a great while to stand;
And tho' you're suprised to hear my Dame bawl,
Yet thrice round the Shop is a pretty good hawl.
Production date 1775
Production periodEighteenth century, late
Object nameThe Country Tooth Drawer
Object categoryDental
Dimensions
- Height: 50 cm
Width: 16.5 cm
Mounted Height: 71 cm
Width: 56 cm