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Antique Print-T.51.-ANATOMY-FEMALE-REPRODUCTIVE-ORGANS-de Lairesse-Bidloo-1728

Name: Antique Print-T.51.-ANATOMY-FEMALE-REPRODUCTIVE-ORGANS-de Lairesse-Bidloo-1728
SKU: IMG_7105
Availability: InStock

€395.00

Antique print, titled: ”T.51.” – Tab. 51: This plate presents a multi-view anatomical study of the female reproductive organs, with an exceptional focus on the clitoris, vagina, uterus, and Fallopian tubes, depicted in both isolated and dissected states.
The first figure shows the clitoris (A) detached from surrounding tissue, revealing its corpora cavernosa (B) and glans (D), as well as its erector muscles (E) and connective structures (F). Its similarity to the male penis is underscored through its internal erectile tissue and muscle attachments.
The second figure details a sectioned clitoris, revealing its internal fibrous layers (B, C), vascular beds (G), and twin labial extensions or “nymphs” (G) which descend alongside the urethra. These fine structures attach to the labia minora and vanish near the external vulva.
The third figure is a longitudinal section of the vagina and urethra, with extensive vascularization (B), mucosal texture, and glands visible. It emphasizes the vestibular structure, perineal muscles, and the debated “maidenhead” or hymen, which is described as a foldable mucosal structure that varies with age and physical condition.
The fourth figure is a detailed frontal view of the uterus (A) and its parts: the fundus (B), cervix (C), and the uterine cavity (F), which appears narrow and triangular. Openings (G) lead to the Fallopian tubes (H), which curve outward and terminate in a narrow, muscular opening (K), encircling the ovaries (N) with fimbrial projections (O). The tube’s internal structure is marked by longitudinal folds and muscular layers, allowing for expansion during reproductive function.
Together, the illustrations offer a rich comparative anatomical overview, not only detailing the internal reproductive anatomy but emphasizing the parallel structures to male genitalia, vascular complexity, and variation in tissue structure. It is a refined anatomical composition with both dissected cross-sections and complete organ systems represented. Original legend sheet available on request (if available due to legends of 2 plates being on 1 sheet).

In stock

SKU: IMG_7105 Category: Medical-Anatomy

Description

Medium: Copperplate engraving on hand laid (verge) paper.

Sheet size: 34.5 x 51 cm (13.58 x 20.08 inch). Image size: 26 x 42 cm. (10.24 x 16.54 inch).

Condition: good, given age. Light foxing, creasing and soiling, mostly affecting the margin. Some tears in paper edges, not effecting the image. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

T.51.-ANATOMY-FEMALE-REPRODUCTIVE-ORGANS | BOEK-BIDLOO

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Ontleding des Menschelyken Lichaams’, Utrecht, 1728, published by Jacob van Poolsum. A later Dutch version of Govard Bidloo’s most famous work, his monumental Anatomia humani corporis published in Amsterdam in 1685, containing 107 copperplate engravings. Like so many large and expensive anatomical atlases of the time, the work was not a financial success, and in 1690 he published a Dutch translation entitled, Ontleding des menschelyken lichaams, using the same plates. When this edition did not sell well either, Bidloo’s publisher sold 300 of the extra printed plates to William Cowper, a noted English anatomist. Cowper published the plates with his own, English language text in Oxford in 1698 under the title, Anatomy of the humane bodies, without mentioning Bidloo or the artists of the original plates. Cowper went so far as to use Bidloo’s engraved allegorical title page, amended with an irregular piece of paper lettered: “The anatomy of the humane bodies …,” which fits over the Dutch title (see a comparison here). A number of vitriolic exchanges took place between Bidloo and Cowper, including several pamphlets published in each anatomist’s defense. Cowper claimed, without much evidence presented, that the plates were not Bidloo’s at all, but that they were commissioned by Jan Swammerdam (1637?1680) and that after his death Swammerdam’s widow had sold them to Bidloo. The illustrations in Bidloos’ work were drawn by Gerard de Lairesse (1640?1711) and engraved by Abraham Blooteling (1640?1690) and Peter van Gunst (1659??1724?).

Reference: Choulant, L. History and bibliography of anatomic illustration. Trans. and annotated by Mortimer Frank. (New York: Hafner, 1962). Pp. 250-253; Russell, K. F. British anatomy, 1525?1800: a bibliography of works published in Britain, America and on the Continent. 2nd ed. (Winchester, Hampshire: St. Paul’s Bibliographies, 1987). Introduction and nos. 211-214; National Library of Medicine (US) Unique ID: 2312021R.

Text page included (if available, due to 2 text pages printed on ene shheet, otherwise a copy).

Biography engraver: Gerard de Lairesse (1640?1711) was a Dutch Golden Age painter and art theorist, known for his classical and allegorical themes.

Biography artist: Govard Bidloo (1649?1713) was a Dutch physician, anatomist, and poet, renowned for his anatomical atlas and contribution to medical illustration.