The Quack Dentist 1765

"The Quack Dentist" is an etching by Giacomo Leonardis, created in 1765. The print depicts a bustling Italian street scene with a charismatic figure at the center, presumably a dentist, boasting about his skills to a crowd. Leonardis skillfully captures the lively atmosphere of the marketplace, showcasing the diverse characters, their expressions, and their interactions with the quack dentist. The inscription at the bottom, "Or con la voce, ed era con la mano Or solde or denti cava il Ciarlatane," translates to "With voice, and with hand, He extracts money or teeth, the Charlatan." This humorous and satirical etching, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the social life and street culture of 18th-century Italy.