A picture of dentistry at Charing Cross in the 1730s given by Hogarth's painting and print of Night. Professional governance, identity and possible mercury intoxication as an occupational hazard for his barber tooth-drawer.
The 2006-7 exhibition of William Hogarth's (1697-1764) works in Paris, London, and Madrid reunited his series The times of the day, first shown at his house in Leicester Fields (now Square), in 1736. Night (Fig. 1), the fourth painting in the group, is as important to the historical record of dentistry as J. M. W. Turner's painting and sketches of The dentist reproving his son's prodigality, described previously in the Journal.
Bishop
M G H
MG
Queen Anne House, Hertford, Herts, UK.
D019024:Barber Surgeons / Q000266:history*; D049671:History, 18th Century; D008131:London; D008512:Medicine in the Arts; D010151:Paintings / Q000266:history*; D012798:Sialorrhea / Q000266:history