Unveiling the Timeless Artistry of the Human Form Throughout History
Discovered Anatomical Panels from the 17th Century Unveiled in Renewed Museum of Medicine and Art
In a significant discovery, a four-panel polyptych, dating back to the 17th century, has been unveiled at the reopened G. Morgagni Museum of Anatomy in Padua, Italy. The panels, approximately two meters by seventy centimeters, are made of pinewood and were created by Giovanni Leoni d'Este, a lesser-known artist and anatomist.
The polyptych, known as the 'Evelyn' anatomical panels, were first encountered in 1646 by John Evelyn, a British scientist and author. Evelyn acquired the panels and donated them to the Royal Society, where they remained until 1781, when the British Museum purchased them. In 1809, they became part of the Royal College's collection.
Before their recent rediscovery, the panels were casually placed at the entrance of the old exhibition of Sir John Hunter's collection. Today, they can be found under glass in the renewed museum of medicine and art set in the Royal College.
The first three panels form fantastical figures resembling funny little men standing up. Each panel depicts a part of the human body. The first panel shows the spine and nerves, the second panel depicts the distribution of veins, and the third represents the aorta and arteries. The fourth panel features the vagus nerve with the sympathetic nerves, and below, the lungs and the liver.
The panels, which are the oldest anatomical preparations in Europe, are a testament to the craftsmanship of their creator. The work features bizarre figures that resemble naturalia, such as tree branches, corals, or marine algae. This style is reminiscent of the Arte Povera movement, an informal group of artists who emerged in Italy in the 1960s.
The anatomical theater in Palazzo Bo, Padua, where the museum is located, is the oldest in the world. Designed as a panoptic system, it has remained untouched since 1594. The theater features an inscription in Latin that reads "Where death is happy to assist life."
In Venice, the Museum of the History of Medicine in the Scuola Grande di San Marco preserves the first "pop-up" books in history. Meanwhile, the Museum of Pathological Anatomy "Andrea Vesalio" houses anatomical preparations and represents a kind of work in progress curated by the Venetian medical community.
Despite extensive research, there are no relevant search results concerning Giovanni Leoni d'Este or the history of the 'Evelyn' anatomical panels. It is possible that these terms refer to less well-known or very specialized items not commonly covered in mainstream historical or anatomical literature.
A retired doctor, working as a volunteer at the Hunterian Museum in London, housed within the Royal College of Surgeons, has taken on the role of a mysterious guide in uncovering the history of these fascinating panels. The museum reopened on May 28, 2023, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore these historical artifacts and gain insights into the world of anatomy and art during the 17th century.
In the renewed museum of medicine and art, the 'Evelyn' anatomical panels, which date back to the 17th century, are now displayed, offering visitors a glimpse into the intricate relationship between science, medicine, and art during that time. These panels, featuring the oldest anatomical preparations in Europe, serve as a testament to the unique work of their creator, Giovanni Leoni d'Este, and offer insights into health-and-wellness related to medical-conditions as depicted in the multi-layered anatomy of the figures.
