"Flayed Human Head (Table 12)," by Govard Bidloo and Gerard de Laireese (1685) DIMENSIONS • 9" x 12" (Image: 6.5" x 10.5") • 12" x 16" (Image: 8.69" x 14") • 16" x 20" (Image: 10.5" x 17") • 20" x 30" (Image: 16" x 25.88") • 24" x 36" (Image: 19" x 30.75") Archival Inkjet on Fine Art Paper Smooth Surface - Matte Finish - Inset Borders ABOUT THE ARTWORK ----------------------------- "Anatomia humani corporis" was a landmark anatomical atlas published in 1685 by the Dutch anatomist Govard Bidloo. Among its innovations were microscopic descriptions of human hair and skin, including the papillary ridges on the fingertips, which became the basis for modern forensic fingerprinting. It is widely recognized for the artistic sophistication of its 107 plates, designed by Gerard de Lairesse. According to Christie's, Lairesse's designs represented "a total departure from the idealistic tradition inaugurated by Vesalian woodcuts." He "displayed his figures with everyday realism and sensuality, contrasting the raw dissected parts of the body with the full, soft surfaces of undissected flesh surrounding them; placing flayed, bound figures in ordinary nightclothes or bedding; setting objects such as a book, a jar, a crawling fly in the same space as a dissected limb or torso. He thus brought the qualities of Dutch still-life painting into anatomical illustration, and gave a new, darker expression to the significance of dissection." The large and expensive atlas having not achieved great commercial success, Bidloo's publisher sold 300 copies—or perhaps the original plates themselves—to the English anatomist William Cowper, who plagiarized them for his own work, "The anatomy of humane bodies" (1698). A vitriolic public exchange ensued, with numerous pamphlets published in each anatomist's defense. ART-CENTRIC DESIGN ----------------------------- Vintage art is not standardized. The original works are usually too long, or too short, to neatly fill a store-bought frame. Most shops arbitrarily crop the artwork to match, leading to claustrophobic prints with missing or partial elements. These modifications — sometimes trivial, sometimes ludicrous — are not always shown in the product photos. We believe that the purpose of art is not to fill a frame; it is the purpose of a frame to showcase the art. Our prints have inset borders that make up any differences in proportion between the artwork and a standard frame, so that you can experience the art as the artist intended. They look sharp in beveled mats, may be float mounted, or inserted directly into standard frames; the borders providing a mat-like accent around the image. There are many styles from which to choose. Framing is a fun, creative process that enhances the artwork and livens your space for years to come. Should you like any advice, feel free to reach out. CUSTOMIZATION AND IMAGE REQUESTS ----------------------------- We are happy to customize our prints to fit your frame. Borderless prints may require the artwork to be cropped to fit a new aspect ratio. In such cases, we will provide a mockup to ensure that the final product meets with your approval. If you’re looking for an artwork that is not in our catalog, feel free to ask if we can provide it. We will print any public domain or openly licensed image that is available in high resolution. MUSEUM QUALITY ----------------------------- Giclée process prints are the gold standard in fine art reproduction. We use a matte finish, cotton fiber paper to maximize detail while eliminating glare. Our prints display a wide color gamut, deep blacks and beautiful tonal transitions. Produced using only archival materials, they will not fade or yellow, but maintain their original quality for as long as you own them. HANDMADE DECLARATION ----------------------------- To assure artistic quality, all of our production and design is strictly in-house. Every print has been proofed, calibrated and inspected for defects. We do not drop ship, resell or make use of third-party production partners. SHIPPING AND PACKAGING ----------------------------- All orders ship within one business day via USPS First Class, Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express. Sizes 9” x 12” and 12” x 16” ship in a flat configuration, unless combined with larger prints, which require tubes. We will replace any lost or damaged items at no expense to you. HAPPINESS GUARANTEE ----------------------------- We will promptly address any issues that may arise with your order. If you are unhappy with your print for any reason, you are welcome to return it for a full refund.