The Tooth Extractor

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo’s The Tooth Extractor (c.1754) exemplifies the Rococo style with its lively composition and delicate detail. Executed in oil on canvas, the work belongs to the tradition of genre painting, depicting a vivid scene drawn from everyday life. Tiepolo’s refined technique captures the dynamic interaction suggested by the title, emphasizing human character and social customs. The painting’s fluid brushstrokes and balanced use of light reflect the artist’s mastery within the mid-18th-century Venetian context, making it a notable example of Rococo’s elegant approach to narrative and humor.