The Art of Anatomy in Medieval Europe

This book explores medieval European anatomical images, challenging the notion that Renaissance artists and anatomists were the founders of anatomy. It provides a comprehensive overview of the many ways in which medieval surgeons, doctors, monks, and artists understood and depicted human anatomy, and will appeal to general audiences, medical professionals, and historians of art, medicine, and medieval culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: Reaktion Books

This book is the first modern history of medieval European anatomical images, richly illustrated and exploring the many ways in which medieval surgeons, doctors, monks, and artists understood and depicted human anatomy. Taylor McCall refutes the common misconception that Renaissance artists and anatomists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Andreas Vesalius were the 'fathers of anatomy' and the first to perform scientific human dissection. On the contrary, she proves that these Renaissance figures drew upon centuries of visual and written tradition in their works. This interdisciplinary book will appeal to general audiences interested in the history of the body and medical professionals curious about the history of their discipline, as well as historians of art, medicine, and medieval culture.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 223 x 148 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789146813