Medical & Anatomy · 18th century
€ 175
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition report: Good condition, with minor age toning. Plate mark visible.
Antique Print of Surgical Instruments – Scissors, Scalpels & Lancets, c.1760
This fine antique print, titled “Chirurgie” (Surgery), dates to around 1760 and depicts an array of surgical instruments used in 18th-century medical practice. Among the tools illustrated are scissors, scalpels, pincers, spatulas, and lancets, all carefully engraved to show their precise form and function. The print originates from Denis Diderot’s monumental *Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers*, one of the most influential works of the Enlightenment. The *Encyclopédie* sought to catalog human knowledge across all fields, and its plates of surgical instruments provide invaluable insights into the history of medicine and surgery. With its clear lines and scientific accuracy, this engraving reflects the period’s fascination with rational inquiry and the advancement of science.
Condition report: Good condition, with minor age toning. Plate mark visible.
Framing tips: A light cream or ivory mat with a simple black or dark wood frame will highlight the sharpness of the engraving, while a gilt frame provides a more traditional, scholarly presentation.
Technique: Copperplate engraving
Maker: Denis Diderot, Paris, c.1760
