Tandarts 1659 - 1681

Here we see Jan van der Bruggen’s etching, "Tandarts," created around the turn of the 18th century. Its detailed lines and structured composition immediately draw us into a scene both unsettling and strangely humorous. The dentist stands at the center, his smug expression framed by the stark contrast between light and shadow. Van der Bruggen uses the semiotics of the time to challenge our expectations. The skull on the left acts as a memento mori, a reminder of death, traditionally meant to inspire solemn reflection. Instead, its juxtaposition with the dentist's jovial demeanor destabilizes this meaning. This contrast suggests a commentary on the human condition, where pain and humor intertwine. The arrangement of tools on the table forms another layer of meaning. These instruments of pain are presented almost as still life elements, forcing us to confront the cultural codes associated with medical practice. Ultimately, "Tandarts" challenges the viewer to reconsider fixed interpretations of life, death, and the human experience.