The Dentist at Work

Dateca. 1850

MediumDaguerreotype

DimensionsPlate (sixth): 3 1/4 × 2 3/4 inches (8.26 × 6.99 cm)
Case (open): 3 11/16 × 6 3/8 × 3/8 inches (9.37 × 16.21 × 0.97 cm)
Case (closed): 3 11/16 × 3 1/8 × 1/2 inches (9.37 × 7.95 × 1.27 cm)

Credit LineGift of the Hall Family Foundation

Object number2016.25.10

Signednone

Inscribednone

Markingsnone

On View

Not on view

Collections

Photography

Terms

DescriptionOccupational portrait of dentist using forceps to hold a patient's tooth while he sits next to an open case displaying dental instruments. This sixth plate cased daguerreotype housed in octagonal brass mat inside of a brown case with a pink silk liner and a center side clasp. A lyre surrounded by leaves is depicted on the front and back of the case.Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Rotation 26. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, March 29, 2019- August 25, 2019, no cat.

Gallery Label

An occupational portrait depicts a subject with the tools of their trade, or other emblems of personal interest or expertise. The "occupational" was an important aspect of portraiture in the daguerreotype era of the 1840s and 1850s. This approach expanded the definition of portraiture. An individual’s portrait was not restricted to only their likeness, but could include other extensions of identity.

Provenance

Hall Family Foundation, Kansas City, MO, 2016;
Given by the Hall Family Foundation to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 2016.

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