RCSSC/P 3158 - Tooth transplantation, Cartoons (humorous representations), Engravings (prints)
- Object numberRCSSC/P 3158
- Collection
- Category
- Object name
- Object name
- Object name
- TitleTransplanting of Teeth
- DescriptionHand coloured cartoon showing a fashionable dentist engaged in tooth transplantation, by Thomas Rowlandson, 1787. A fashionable 18th century dentist transplants teeth from poor children to wealthy patients. This was a lucrative but controversial practice; Rowlandson’s cartoon highlights the questionable ethics and exploitation of the poor. There were also clinical limitations: long-term success was rare as the transplanted teeth loosened over time. There was also a risk of cross infection from donor to recipient.
- Production date1787
- Artist
- presented
Physical Location
- LocationNot on public display: contact museum for access conditions
Physical Information
- Physical descriptionHand coloured engraving, 30.4cm by 44.6 cm, in glazed frame 43.5cm by 59cm.
