François Tortebat, 18th-century Anatomical Engraving

18th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

A fine hand-coloured anatomical engraving from François Tortebat’s (1616-1690) publication, Abrégé d’anatomie, Accommodé Avx Arts de Peintvre et de Scvlptvre. This particular version was published in 1760. Tortebat’s illustrations were based upon Andreas Vesalius’ (1514–1564) highly regarded anatomy book, De Humani Corporis Fabrica Libri Septem - first published in 1543.

François Tortebat was a pseudonym for Roger de Piles who was the personal secretary to Michel Amelot de Gournay, the French Councillor of State. De Piles was a controversial figure who was imprisoned for four years following his involvement in secret political missions.

The engraving is housed within a good later frame and glazed.

Medium: Hand-coloured engraving on paper

Overall size: 12” x 16” / 31cm x 40cm

Year of creation: c. 1760

Provenance: England

Condition: Overall very presentable.

Physical Dimensions

Height

40cm (15.75")

Width

31cm (12.20")

Depth

1cm (0.39")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA945792

Description

“

Tortebat’s illustrations were based upon Andreas Vesalius’ (1514–1564) highly regarded anatomy book, De Humani Corporis Fabrica Libri Septem - first published in 1543.

Brave Fine Art

fig 1. François Tortebat, 18th-Century Anatomical Engraving — fig 1. François Tortebat, 18th-century Anatomical Engraving

François Tortebat was a pseudonym for Roger de Piles who was the personal secretary to Michel Amelot de Gournay, the French Councillor of State. De Piles was a controversial figure who was imprisoned for four years following his involvement in secret political missions.