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Vesalius

1798

PILES, ROGER DE. Abrégé d' anatomie, accommodé aux arts de peinture et de sculpture... Mis en lumiére par François Tortebat [pseud.] Paris: Jean., 1798.

This is athe earliest work on anatomy intended for the use of artists. Roger de Piles, who used the pseudonym François Tortebat, was especially noted for his writings on art and his skill as a painter and engraver. However, his profession was that of a diplomat and, at one time, he served as the French ambassador to Spain. Piles first issued these reproductions from Vesalius' work in Paris in 1667. Authorities consider the copper plate engravings in this book to be the most beautiful reproductions ever made from Vesalius' work. The ten plates in this little-known printing include four muscle figures from the Epitome and six figures from the Fabrica. Contrasted with the Vesalian figures, Piles' images are reversed in direction and the scenic background is ommitted.

This copper plate engraving, reproduced from Vesalius' work, is from the earliest book on anatomy intended for artists, Abrégé d' anatomie... by Roger de Piles