Charles Estienne - Woodcut from an anatomical drawing

A rare original anatomical woodcut from the 16th-century medical book Charles Estienne's De dissectione partium corporis humani libri tres (first Latin edition 1545, French 1546), known in its French translation as La dissection des parties du corps humain. It is among the most important early printed books on human anatomy.​

The plate shows a partially dissected male figure, with muscles exposed, annotated with French labels that correspond to key anatomical features, intended to teach the anatomy of muscles and veins.

The work was published in Paris in 1546, only a few years after Vesalius’s epochal De humani corporis fabrica, and is celebrated both for its artistry and scientific importance. Estienne’s plates are specifically famous for introducing full-body muscle dissections and clear labelling in the vernacular.

The woodcut measures 28 x 21cm (11" x 4.3") and is mounted in a heavy paper presentation folder which itself bears the imprint Papeteries Barjon Moirans, a French paper mill with a history dated back to 1480.

The work is in good original condition with no tears, minor marks and remaining crisp and clear.

The work will be shipped flat.