The Dentist

"The Dentist," painted by Gerhard Dou in 1660, exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age's focus on genre scenes and meticulous attention to detail. The work captures a moment of dental examination, reflecting both the emerging interest in medical practices of the time and Dou's mastery of light and texture, which contributed to his reputation as a leading painter of the period.

"The Dentist," painted by Gerhard Dou in 1660, exemplifies the artist's mastery of chiaroscuro and meticulous attention to detail, showcasing a well-lit interior scene where a dentist examines a patient’s teeth. The composition is characterized by the intricate rendering of textures, particularly in the depiction of the dentist's tools and the delicate play of light on the figures, highlighting the tension between the clinical act and the subject's discomfort.