Dental Chair c. 1937

Lucien Verbeke made this drawing of a dental chair, but we don’t know exactly when. It’s interesting to consider this image within the history of design and the social function of institutions. The chair itself evokes a Louis the 16th style, but it is also a modern dental chair. The drawing reflects the changing landscape of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the rise of professional dentistry and modern design converged. Dental practices transformed from makeshift setups to more formalized, clinical environments, reflecting shifts in medical science, technology, and social attitudes towards healthcare. This drawing therefore raises questions about the institutionalization of healthcare and the relationship between design and professional practice. Further research into dental equipment manufacturers, trade publications, and professional organizations of the period could shed light on the cultural and economic forces shaping the design and adoption of dental chairs like this one. Studying the social and institutional context helps us to understand this drawing as more than just a technical illustration but rather a window into a changing world.