Engraving of Skeleton
Dublin Core
Title
Engraving of Skeleton
Subject
Incunabula
Copper engravings (visual works)
Skeleton
Zoan Andrea, active 1475-1505
Description
This unusual copper engraving is one of the earliest printed representations of the human skeleton, predating Andreas Vesalius' De humani corporis fabricaby nearly half a century. Only two other specimens are known.
The engraving appears to be only the fourth printed depiction of the skeleton and the first produced by copper engraving rather than woodcut. The archaic Italian inscription below reads "I cannot deny—I said, probably just before dying—that the agony that comes before dying is extremely painful, but even more painful is the fear of eternal damnation." When Librarian James F. Ballard first saw this engraving, its fine condition caused him to question its authenticity.
Abstract
Copper engraving of skeleton, the fourth printed depiction of a skeleton and the first copper engraving of one, made by Zoan Andrea in Italy, circa 1494-1505
Creator
Zoan Andrea, active 1475-1505
Date Created
1494-1505, circa
Rights
The Boston Medical Library does not hold copyright on all materials in this collection. For use information, consult Public Services at chm@hms.harvard.edu
Access Rights
Access to the original work depicted requires advance notice. Contact Public Services at chm@hms.harvard.edu for additional information
Is Part Of
Boston Medical Library Rare Books Collection (Ballard folio 109)
Format
image
Extent
1 copper engraving
Language
Italian
Type
still image
Identifier
DigID0002518
Provenance
Purchased for the Boston Medical Library, 1936
Files
Collection
Citation
Zoan Andrea, active 1475-1505, “Engraving of Skeleton,” OnView, accessed April 28, 2024, https://collections.countway.harvard.edu/onview/items/show/12575.