Synopses & Reviews
Leonardo da Vinci was a pioneer in the study of the human body. Intent on exploring and explaining every aspect of anatomy and physiology, he performed over thirty dissections of humancadavers and many more of animals. He is also among the greatest draftsmen ever to have lived, and his studies of skeletons, musculature, and other visible structures remain to this day largely unsurpassed in their lucidity.In addition to his anatomical drawings, Leonardo meticulously recorded his many findings on the pages of his notebooks with the hope of one day publishing a treatise on anatomy. Among the more than one thousand pages of these notebooks were a number of important discoveries that, had they been published, would have transformed Western understanding of biological sciences. But despite admiration by the likes of Benvenuto Cellini, Giorgio Vasari, and Albrecht Danduuml;rerandmdash;who made a number of drawings from Leonardoandrsquo;s anatomical studiesandmdash;the work was never completed and the drawings remained largely unpublished and little known until around 1900.and#160;Since the seventeenth century, the Royal Library at Windsor Castle has housed the worldandrsquo;s most significant collection of Leonardoandrsquo;s surviving anatomical studies. Generously illustrated throughout, this volume presents ninety of the finest of these astonishing documentsandmdash;the largest publication of Leonardoandrsquo;s anatomical drawings to dateandmdash;accompanied by an informative discussion of their anatomical content and theirand#160;significance in Leonardoandrsquo;s pioneering work.
Review
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. . . . Itand#8217;s a fun art history class.
Review
One of the greatest stories in the history of science.
Review
"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."
Synopsis
Leonardo's drawings are the finest integration of the arts of anatomy and illustration ever achieved, and this is the definitive, most complete collection currently in print, including more than 1,200 drawings. Noted scholars O'Malley and Saunders have cogently translated Leonardo's anatomical notes as well as added a valuable history and extensive commentary.
Synopsis
The Anatomical, Physiological and Embryological Drawings of Leonardo da VinciWith more than 1200 reproductions of drawings by the master's own hand, this book is the definitive and most complete collection of Leonardo's anatomical drawings currently in print. Here Leonardo's notebooks have been arranged according to the systems of the body in order to indicate the full extent of his anatomical work. This book will captivate curious laymen, medical professionals, and art and history enthusiasts alike. Also included are:
• Translations of Leonardo's anatomical notes which were written in his cryptic reverse handwriting. These translations provide an unusual glimpse into Leonardo's creativity and genius.
•Extensive commentary from the editors.
•A thorough background of Leonardo's life that reintroduces him to the world not just as a master artist, but as a brilliant scientist.
Synopsis
Leonardo da Vinci was one of the greatest anatomists ever to have lived. He dissected more than thirty human corpses, exploring every aspect of anatomy and physiology, and recorded his findings in drawings of unparalleled beauty and lucidity. Had Leonardo published his researches, he would have transformed European knowledge of anatomy. But his studies remained among his personal papers at his death, and were almost unknown until around 1900.
This book offers 87 of Leonardo's finest and most important anatomical studies, housed in the Print Room at Windsor Castle, with full scientific and art-historical explanations and discussion. Supported by an award-winning ipad app, Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomy, 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.
About the Author
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.
Table of Contents
The Anatomical Studies of Leonardo da Vinci
Catalogue
and#160;and#160;and#160; Notes to the reader
and#160;and#160;and#160; Early anatomical and proportion studies
and#160;and#160;and#160; Revival: The Battle of Anghiari
and#160;and#160;and#160; The centenarian: Anatomical Manuscript B
and#160;and#160;and#160; Neurology and the voice
and#160;and#160;and#160; The bones and muscles: Anatomical Manuscript A
and#160;and#160;and#160; The reproductive system
and#160;and#160;and#160; Dogs, birds, oxen: The Villa Melzi studies
and#160;and#160;and#160; The heart
Further Reading
Concordance
Index