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

Beskrivning

This illustration depicts a mummified human figure lying within an open sarcophagus. The woodcut captures the withered form of the body, emphasizing the preservation of the skin and skeletal structure over time. Positioned in the middle of a page of French text, the image serves as a visual reference for a scholarly discussion on "La Mumie." The accompanying text explores the historical and medicinal understanding of mummies during the Renaissance, often related to the use of bitumen or "asphaltum" in early pharmacology. This page is a primary leaf from Mattioli's commentary on the medical treatises of Dioscorides, which integrated ancient knowledge with early modern scientific observation.

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, animal, and mineral descriptions accompanied by high-quality illustrations. Mattioli’s efforts to systematically document the natural world and its medicinal applications 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.