Timeless Marvel: A Testament of All Eras - Human Body's Incomparable Design
In the heart of London, a vertical polyptych known as "Evelyn" stands under glass in the renewed museum of medicine and art at the Royal College of Surgeons. This intriguing piece, approximately two meters by seventy centimeters, is believed to be the oldest anatomical preparations in Europe, dating back to the seventeenth century.
The polyptych, composed of twelve wooden panels, was acquired by John Evelyn in 1646. After being donated to the Royal Society, it was later purchased by the British Museum in 1781. Its current home, the Royal College of Surgeons, has been its residence since 1809.
The identity of the author of these pinewood panels remains a mystery. Some sources suggest it is Giovanni Leoni d'Este, assistant to Prof. John Vesling who operated in Padua in the first half of the seventeenth century. However, beyond the search results, there is no widely recognized figure named Giovanni Leoni d'Este prominently linked to European anatomy or known for pinewood anatomical panels.
The first panel of the polyptych showcases the spine and nerves, while the second panel illustrates the distribution of veins. The third panel depicts the aorta and arteries, and the fourth features the vagus nerve with the sympathetic nerves, and below, the lungs and the liver. The first three panels form fantastic figures resembling comical little men standing up, with the work featuring bizarre figures that resemble naturalia, such as tree branches, corals, or marine algae.
The retired doctor who introduced himself as the mysterious guide works as a volunteer at the Hunterian Museum in London, where the polyptych is now displayed alongside the twelve wooden panels of the Giuseppe Penone exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery, which are analogous to the Evelyn tables.
Despite the lack of recognition in major historical, artistic, or anatomical literature, the "Evelyn" polyptych continues to intrigue scholars and visitors alike, offering a unique glimpse into the world of European anatomy during the Renaissance. If you have access to a specific specialized source or archive, consulting it directly may provide more context.
As for the renowned figures of the Renaissance, their contributions to anatomy are well-documented, and I can help you delve into the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Vesalius, Mondino de Luzzi, and others who significantly shaped the field of anatomy during this time.
- The retired doctor, working as a volunteer at the Hunterian Museum, points out that the "Evelyn" polyptych, now displayed alongside the Giuseppe Penone exhibition, holds a significant place in health-and-wellness literature, offering a unique insight into medical-conditions and anatomy during the Renaissance.
- The first three panels of the "Evelyn" polyptych, illustrating the spine, veins, and arteries, are designed in such a way that they form bizarre figures reminiscent of naturalia, similar to the work of an artist employing technology and artificial-intelligence to revolutionize the field of science.
- As for the lack of recognition in major historical, artistic, or anatomical literature, the "Evelyn" polyptych continues to captivate researchers and enthusiasts, prompting some to investigate its origins further in hopes of discovering its creator and the groundbreaking methods used in its construction.
