Book Description
This volume focuses on one of the most important and artistically accomplished landmarks in the history of 19th-century anatomy: the Atlas of Anatomy compiled by Jean Baptiste Marc Bourgery (1797–1849). This monumental work is not only a milestone in medical history, but is also widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and beautifully illustrated anatomical treatises ever produced, remaining unrivaled to this day.
In 1830, shortly after receiving his doctorate in medicine, Bourgery began work on this ambitious atlas in long-term collaboration with the outstanding anatomical illustrator Nicolas Henri Jacob (1782–1871). The first volumes were published the following year, yet the completion of the entire work required nearly two decades of sustained dedication, reflecting an extraordinary commitment to both scientific research and visual documentation.
The treatise is structured into four major sections, covering descriptive anatomy, surgical anatomy and operative techniques, general anatomy and embryology, and microscopic anatomy. Together, these sections present a comprehensive view of the human body from the macroscopic to the microscopic level, representing one of the most systematic and in-depth syntheses of anatomical knowledge of its time.
Among the most striking features of the book are Jacob’s large-scale, hand-colored lithographs rendered at life size. Renowned for their exceptional clarity, subtle coloration, and aesthetic refinement, these images combine direct anatomical observation with rigorous illustrative research. They convey medical information with remarkable precision while simultaneously achieving an extraordinary level of artistic expression, making the atlas a timeless example of the intersection between science and art.
More than a medical reference, this book stands as a significant document in the histories of medicine, printmaking, and visual culture. For medical professionals, art historians, and readers interested in how knowledge has been recorded and transmitted through images, it is a classic work of enduring scholarly importance and exceptional collectible value.
Book Details
Author: Dr. Jean-M. Le Minor
Publisher: TASCHEN
Dimensions: 36 × 26 cm
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 544 pages