Hunting for Teeth 18th-19th century

Editor: This print, “Hunting for Teeth” by Francisco Goya, depicts a rather gruesome scene. A woman is extracting teeth from a hanged man. What do you make of this scene? Curator: Well, consider the aquatint technique Goya employed. This process, involving acid etching, allowed for tonal variations that mimic the effects of wash drawings, thus softening the horror. But consider, whose teeth are these and what are they for? Editor: I hadn't thought about that. Curator: Teeth were valuable commodities. Were they being used for dentures, for the wealthy? Are the teeth symbols of class exploitation? Editor: That makes me see it in a completely different light. Thanks!