On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01803
- Author
- Teniers, David (Flemish)
- Title
- A Surgical Operation
- Chronology
- 1631-1640
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 33 cm x 25 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
A healer or rural doctor treats a
peasant's foot with rustic tools.
Behind them, a worried woman looks
on, while a servant enters with
food.
The composition is derived from
works on the same subject by
Tenier's teacher, Adriaen Brower.
The presence of an owl, symbolizing
wisdom, may be an illusion to a
critical interpretation of what is
depicted here. This painting would
thus be linked to the tradition of
Flemish painting in which surgical
operations are frequently
ridiculed.
This work is paired with The
Alchemist (P1804) and both offer
Tenier's particular critical view
of science. There are various works
by this painter on the same
subject. The present version was
already at Madrid's Alcázar Palace
by 1700.
Location on the map
