Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomist

(Paperback)

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Description

Leonardo daVinci was one of the greatest anatomists ever to have lived. He dissected more than thirty human corpses in order to explore every aspect of anatomy and physiology. His findings are recorded in drawings of unparalleled beauty and lucidity, as well as in notes that bear witness to his astonishing insights into the subject. This book presents 87 of the finest of these documents - the largest showing of Leonardo's anatomical studies there has ever been - with a full discussion of their anatomical content and their significance in Leonardo's pioneering work. It is an essential work of reference for the Leonardo enthusiast as well as a unique exploration of the anatomy of the human body itself.

Reviews

One of the greatest stories in the history of science.

--Carl Zimmer, on the app

Leonardo da Vinci was renowned as an artist at the time of his death, but 400 years passed before his brilliance as a scientist was widely understood. In his final years, he dissected about 30 human cadavers, producing some of the finest anatomical studies ever made, according to Martin Clayton and Ron Philo. From time to time, exhibits of da Vinci's drawings have been mounted, but this book, containing 90 anatomical studies, is the largest published collection to date.

--Jan Gardner "Boston Globe, The Find" (8/5/2012 12:00:00 AM)

The name Leonardo da Vinci likely conjures images of the Mona Lisa or The Last Supper, but one of his greatest legacies are his anatomical drawings, which were astoundingly accurate for his time. . . . The drawings are accompanied by fascinating texts from experts on how Leonardo pioneered the art of medical illustration, including the wonderfully grotesque tales of what it took to learn such anatomical detail. . . . It's a fun art history class.
--Claire Zulkey "Chicago Tribune, on the app"

Author Bio

Martin Clayton is curator of the print room at Windsor Castle. Ron Philo is adjunct associate professor in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.