The Tiny Doctor 1761

Curator: Here we have "The Tiny Doctor," an engraving by Johann Georg Wille. He made this print after another artist's work. Editor: It's precious! Sort of melancholic, though. He's blowing bubbles, framed in what looks like a stone window. Such delicate work with the hatching to create light and shadow. Curator: Bubbles are a common symbol, representing the fleeting nature of life, or even earthly vanity. Considering the title, perhaps this "tiny doctor" understands that even medicine can only do so much against mortality. Editor: Maybe he’s just having fun! I mean, the kid’s got a fancy hat. It’s like a still from a play, both comic and a little sad. Curator: It's fascinating how Wille uses a simple image to evoke such complex feelings about childhood, knowledge, and the ephemeral nature of existence. Editor: Right? It's like, look at this little dude, briefly enjoying a moment, and how soon that moment will vanish.