Le Chirurgien de Campagne

2025-07-09T10:53:19-04:00

This engraving by Thomas Major, after a painting of the same subject by David Teniers II, shows a "country surgeon" at work, treating the foot of a patient. As the surgeon bends down to apply a leech to the man's foot, his wife looks on anxiously. The workroom is filled with flasks and vessels, and a stuffed lizard specimen hangs from the ceiling above. The surgeon's young assistant works at a nearby table, mixing ingredients in a bowl. Animal symbolism gives this image a curious twist: the monkey seated by the window offers a satirical warning to those who would "ape" nature or attempt to master its secrets. At far left, a small owl can also be seen, perched high on the wall.