Vintage Humorous Print: "desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures" By Gaston Hoffmann, 1920
Artist: Gaston Hoffmann (1883-1977)
Immerse yourself in the satirical humor of the 1920s with this remarkable lithograph (or enhanced engraving) signed by the renowned painter and illustrator Gaston Hoffmann.
Mischievously titled “Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures”, the scene depicts, with theatrical satire, daily life in a dentist’s office of the era. We see an assistant struggling to open the mouth of a terrified patient as wide as possible, while the dentist, with a mischievous look, brandishes an imposing extraction forceps behind his shoulder. On the right, a second patient, his cheek heavily bandaged, waits his turn with a resigned expression. The linework is lively and expressive, and the subtle touches of color (notably the green of the tie and the red of the bandage) enliven the composition while preserving the softness of period prints.
A Guaranteed Original Parisian Edition .
The authenticity and provenance of this piece are certified by several very clear period inscriptions in the margin:
Mischievously titled “Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures”, the scene depicts, with theatrical satire, daily life in a dentist’s office of the era. We see an assistant struggling to open the mouth of a terrified patient as wide as possible, while the dentist, with a mischievous look, brandishes an imposing extraction forceps behind his shoulder. On the right, a second patient, his cheek heavily bandaged, waits his turn with a resigned expression. The linework is lively and expressive, and the subtle touches of color (notably the green of the tie and the red of the bandage) enliven the composition while preserving the softness of period prints.
A Guaranteed Original Parisian Edition .
The authenticity and provenance of this piece are certified by several very clear period inscriptions in the margin:
- Artist’s signature: Signed in graphite “Gaston Hoffmann” in the lower right corner.
- Historic Art Publisher: Presence of the official publication mark: “Copyright by Ch. Ducher et Cie, 35 Ave de l’Opéra, Paris – No. 5”. The prestigious Galerie Ducher et Cie (which operated at this legendary address from 1868 to 1969) was one of the leading centers for the publication of prints and works of art in Paris.
- For Healthcare Professionals: It is the ideal historical and offbeat decorative piece to adorn the waiting room or office of a dental practice, an orthodontist, or a dental surgeon. It immediately adds a touch of therapeutic lightheartedness and piques patients’ curiosity.
- For Collectors: A beautiful piece themed around the history of medicine and early 20th-century social caricature, often sought after for specialized collections (notably referenced in medical history collections).
- Artist: Gaston Hoffmann (1883–1977), a French painter, illustrator, and decorator known for his genre scenes and satirical compositions.
- Technique: Print on paper (period engraving/lithograph with hand-colored highlights).
- Publisher: Ch. Ducher & Cie (Paris).
- Framing: Presented under glass in its original profiled natural wood frame, which perfectly highlights the spirit of the work
- Condition: In very good condition for its age. The paper shows no foxing.
120 €
Period: 20th century
Style: Art Deco
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Paper
Reference (ID): 1826297
Availability: In stock
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