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ESTIENNE, Charles (1505-1564). De dissectione partium corporis humani libri tres. Paris: Simone Colin, 1545.
First edition of the most important anatomical work of the French Renaissance, famous for its 'grotesque' plates with macabre charm and set amidst evocative Roman ruins. Charles Estienne, son of Henri Estienne, founder of the famous Parisian printing house, completed his medical studies in Paris in 1540, where he was a companion of Andreas Vesalius under Jacobus Sylvius. Noting the inadequacy of the available dissection manuals, Estienne undertook the production of a more modern and richly illustrated work, which was published two years after the famous De humani corporis fabrica by his companion Vesalius (1543). The illustrations, engraved at the printing house of Simon de Colines, Estienne's stepfather, stand out for their artistic quality and stylistic variety, contributing to the commercial success of the volume, which was reprinted in French in 1546. In addition to the beauty of the illustrations, De Dissectione offers important scientific contributions: it contains the first illustrations of the entire external venous and nervous system, innovative descriptions of the sternum and liver valves, and detailed dissections of the brain. The work marks a significant advance in anatomical representation and the art of dissection, establishing itself as a milestone in the history of medicine and science.
Folio, (344 x 245mm). 62 full-page illustrations, several illustrations in the text, allegorical vignette on the title page, engraved initials (old restoration to the upper right-hand corner of the first 6 leaves with loss of a few letters, reinforced title page, short trimming in the upper margin, some spotting). 17th ; 18th century vellum binding, marbled edges (some wear). (1)
Folio, (344 x 245mm). 62 full-page illustrations, several illustrations in the text, allegorical vignette on the title page, engraved initials (old restoration to the upper right-hand corner of the first 6 leaves with loss of a few letters, reinforced title page, short trimming in the upper margin, some spotting). 17th ; 18th century vellum binding, marbled edges (some wear). (1)
ESTIMATE € 7,000 - 10,000
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[BINDING] CICERO, Marcus Tullius (106-43 BC). Epistolarum familiarium. Lyon: Gryphius, 1551.
[BINDING] CICERO, Marcus Tullius (106-43 BC). Epistolarum familiarium. Lyon: Gryphius, 1551.
ESTIMATE € 600 - 1,000
