Portret van Pierre Fauchard 1688 - 1733

Jean Baptiste Scotin I created this portrait engraving of Pierre Fauchard, a French physician, sometime before 1740. The image offers a glimpse into the world of 18th-century European intellectual life. Fauchard, known as the "father of modern dentistry," is depicted with the markers of status: voluminous wig, drapery, and books. Yet, this formal presentation also raises questions about who has access to knowledge and healthcare. The inscription praises Fauchard for offering relief to teeth and protecting their beauty and health. In this historical and cultural context, the engraving serves not only as a tribute to Fauchard’s expertise, but also as a marker of the burgeoning field of dentistry and its impact on societal well-being and beauty standards. The image serves as a reminder of the changing perceptions of health, beauty, and social status in the 18th century.