Bilder Pietro Andrea Mattioli (1501–1578) – Malacological Study of a Snail – Woodcut (16th Century)

Beskrivning

This illustration presents a detailed study of a snail, depicted in profile with its soft body extended from a spiraled, speckled shell. The woodcut captures the anatomical features of the mollusk, including its sensory tentacles and the texture of its foot. Above the image, the heading Escargotz identifies the subject, while a dense block of French text below provides a scholarly commentary on the natural history, habitat, and traditional medicinal uses of snails. This page is a primary leaf from Mattioli's commentary on the medical treatises of Dioscorides, which served as a foundational reference for the study of pharmacology and natural science in Europe during the Renaissance.

Pietro Andrea Mattioli was an Italian physician and naturalist who became one of the most celebrated scientists of the sixteenth century. He is best known for his monumental work, Commentarii in sex libros Pedacii Dioscoridis, which not only translated ancient Greek texts but also expanded upon them with hundreds of new plant and animal descriptions accompanied by high-quality illustrations. Mattioli’s efforts to systematically document the flora and fauna of the known world laid the groundwork for modern biology and transformed the study of herbal medicine. His publications were translated into numerous languages and went through many editions, reflecting his status as a central figure in the scientific revolution.

Artist or Maker: Pietro Andrea Mattioli.

Dimensions: Approximately 36 cm x 23 cm.

Medium: Woodcut.

Date: (16th Century).

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.