Bibliotheca Anatomica
From: The Life of John Hunter
By: Jesse Foot
Published: T. Becket, London, 1794
Style: Line engraving
Dimensions: 22 x 33. 5 cm
This late eighteenth century image depicts an anatomical dissection. The image is interesting partly because there is so much happening and partly because it is relatively rare to see prints of this period which depict groups of medical professionals involved in surgical activities.
In line engraving a tool called a burin is used to cut into the metalplate removing a sliver of metal. It was first used in the fifteenth century for reproducing work. As the work is laborious and skilled it was a respected technique.
