Anatomy and humans are inseparably linked. Forms and structures create fascinating images both individually and as a whole. Known as a demanding part of the course for prospective medical students, the human anatomy an unmistakable, artistic character. Ever since Leonardo da Vinci's "Vitruvian Man" became a popular accessory on walls, it has been clear: Anatomy, Human and art form a stylish triad.
Leonardo da Vinci shaped the artistic claim to the connection between medicine and human anatomy like no other. Historians found thousands of notes and documents with anatomical drawings in his estate. Against this background, it is downright regrettable that only the "man in a circle" mentioned at the beginning has achieved real popularity.
Human Anatomy as an Art Form
Medicine - especially anatomy - and art are inseparably linked. Even ancient art revolved almost exclusively around the Human anatomy. Painting was added later. Artists studied physiognomy and figure in order to incorporate them into their works. Doctors were able to use these works to explain anatomical structures and provide scientific backgrounds.
Anyone who wanted to be recognized as a realistic artist had no choice but to study human anatomy independently. Before he could create creatively, he first had to become a keen observer. On the other hand, a doctor who wanted to understand human anatomy usually sought out an artist.
How else would it have been possible to human anatomy to study? In the Christian West, dissections of the human body were forbidden for a very long time. Artists, as secret anatomists and with their lively, precise depictions, replaced learning from dead subjects.
Anyone who wanted to be recognized as a realistic artist had no choice but to study human anatomy independently. Before he could create creatively, he first had to become a keen observer. On the other hand, a doctor who wanted to understand human anatomy usually sought out an artist.
How else would it have been possible to human anatomy to study? In the Christian West, dissections of the human body were forbidden for a very long time. Artists, as secret anatomists and with their lively, precise depictions, replaced learning from dead subjects.
Think outside the box
The works and sculptures of ancient times served as objects of study for medical students for a long time. They taught them the human anatomy closer and replaced the reality on the dead body.
The connection between art and human anatomy was also evident in another historical fact. Did you know that studying medicine in earlier times was even more extensive? Students had to attend certain lectures on philosophical or cultural history subjects, in addition to the compulsory courses on human anatomy. This seems surprising at first glance.
But the understanding of art, philosophy and culture was a real and additional benefit for learning human anatomy and later working as a doctor. Unfortunately, this valuable perspective on the bigger picture has been lost in today's studies.
"Theaters" as centers of anatomical teaching
Human art came to life in the 16th and 17th centuries at the latest. "Anatomical theaters" were created in Amsterdam, Basel, Paris and Padua. The first precursor was at the end of the 14th century at the University of Heidelberg. Anatomical theaters were the forerunners of the lecture halls you are familiar with. Seats were grouped around a central area with a table for dissections in the form of a grandstand with a clear view of the action. The idea was that the human anatomy should be taught to students in a close-up and emotional way.
The human anatomy as a reference work
All of this led to the creation of objects for studying human anatomy in the form of atlases or pictorial representations. You know the situation in specialist bookshops: nowadays, the range of books on human anatomy is diverse.
When deciding for or against a book, the accuracy of detail within the descriptions is sure to play the most important role for you. Understandable, because the nomenclature of the Human Anatomy is unchangeable. You learn it, it has been valid for centuries and is not rewritten. But it is presented in different ways.
One of the modern pioneers in the pictorial representation of human anatomy is Johannes Sobotta. You have probably heard this name before. He created the drawings for Human Anatomy a book that is still in demand today and has high quality content. Perhaps you are already learning with it. Sobotta's "Atlas of Anatomy" consists of several volumes and is considered a standard work in medicine in both study and practice.
The two illustrators Karl Hajek and Erich Lepier were responsible for the illustrations. They transferred the reality of muscles, tissue, bones, joints and organs, perfectly prepared in sections, onto paper. The sketches were created in three dimensions, color-coordinated and perfect down to the smallest detail.
The "Michelangelo of Medicine"
In the list of detailed representations of the human anatomy The name Frank Netter cannot be left out. The American doctor and anatomist is often referred to as the "Michelangelo of medicine" because his anatomical drawings were so precise.
At first Netter worked as an illustrator for a pharmaceutical company. As more and more medical colleagues became aware of the quality of his pictures, it was decided to publish them as a book. The first edition of the Netter Atlas for human anatomy was published in 1948. It was not until 1989 that Netter's recognized and award-winning "Atlas of Human Anatomy" was published, for which he was honored several times and received numerous honorary doctorates.
When deciding for or against a book, the accuracy of detail within the descriptions is sure to play the most important role for you. Understandable, because the nomenclature of the Human Anatomy is unchangeable. You learn it, it has been valid for centuries and is not rewritten. But it is presented in different ways.
One of the modern pioneers in the pictorial representation of human anatomy is Johannes Sobotta. You have probably heard this name before. He created the drawings for Human Anatomy a book that is still in demand today and has high quality content. Perhaps you are already learning with it. Sobotta's "Atlas of Anatomy" consists of several volumes and is considered a standard work in medicine in both study and practice.
The two illustrators Karl Hajek and Erich Lepier were responsible for the illustrations. They transferred the reality of muscles, tissue, bones, joints and organs, perfectly prepared in sections, onto paper. The sketches were created in three dimensions, color-coordinated and perfect down to the smallest detail.
The "Michelangelo of Medicine"
In the list of detailed representations of the human anatomy The name Frank Netter cannot be left out. The American doctor and anatomist is often referred to as the "Michelangelo of medicine" because his anatomical drawings were so precise.
At first Netter worked as an illustrator for a pharmaceutical company. As more and more medical colleagues became aware of the quality of his pictures, it was decided to publish them as a book. The first edition of the Netter Atlas for human anatomy was published in 1948. It was not until 1989 that Netter's recognized and award-winning "Atlas of Human Anatomy" was published, for which he was honored several times and received numerous honorary doctorates.
Human Anatomy as a work of art
What is considered art on the shelf human anatomy a valuable duty for students and doctors, can become an impressive freestyle art piece on the wall. Pictures on which the Human Anatomy impressively reproduced in all its facets, are not only fascinating, they are understated.
The selection is large, every subject area is represented. Anatomical representations are timeless. They connect the history and future of Human Anatomy and Medicine. And they create a unique bridge between human anatomy and art.
The selection is large, every subject area is represented. Anatomical representations are timeless. They connect the history and future of Human Anatomy and Medicine. And they create a unique bridge between human anatomy and art.
At At Animus Medicus you will find all of this:
- The anatomy of the human body and the various organs, bones and muscles
- Medical drawings with correct nomenclature, perfect for learning and explaining
- Unique vintage anatomy posters for interior design for practices and apartments
Watch now all images of human anatomy to.