About this sheet
Pregnancy & Fetal Position – Antique Obstetric Engravings, Van Deventer, 1734
This matched pair of copper engravings illustrates fetal position within the womb and originates from Observations Importantes sur le Manuel des Accouchemens by Hendrik van Deventer, the influential Dutch obstetrician and anatomist. The work was first published in French in 1734 and is regarded as one of the foundational texts in the history of obstetrics.
The map is offered unframed, giving flexibility to select a frame that best suits the intended interior.
The engravings, issued as Figures 28 and 29, present cross-sectional views of the female pelvis containing a fetus in two distinct orientations. Their purpose was explicitly instructional: to clarify the spatial relationships between fetus, uterus, and pelvic structure, and to improve understanding of pregnancy and childbirth at a time when obstetrics was emerging as a formal medical discipline.
Van Deventer’s work was groundbreaking for its emphasis on anatomical mechanics and careful observation rather than inherited theory. The plates reflect this approach, combining clarity of composition with precise anatomical rendering. Lettered references throughout the images correspond to explanatory passages in the text, underscoring their didactic function for physicians and midwives.
The engravings were executed by Philippe Bouttats, as indicated by the inscription Phi Bouttats fecit in the lower right corner. Bouttats was a member of the well-known Flemish family of engravers active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, and his involvement adds both technical and historical significance to the plates.
Together, these two engravings form a coherent visual study of fetal positioning and should be regarded as an inseparable pair. Today, plates from Van Deventer’s obstetrical works are highly sought after by collectors of medical history, early anatomy, and scientific illustration. Beyond their academic importance, the engravings possess a quiet visual strength and balance that also make them suitable for thoughtful interior display in medical, academic, or curated residential settings.
Condition report:
Good condition overall. Original copper engravings. Noticeable age toning and patina throughout, with light browning, scattered foxing, and surface marks consistent with age. Minor edge wear and paper irregularities visible. No modern restoration observed.
Framing tips:
These engravings are sold unframed. They are best presented as a matched pair. Use soft ivory or parchment-colored mats to complement the aged paper, framed in simple walnut, ebonized, or dark-stained wood frames. UV-protective or museum glass is recommended.
Technique: Copper engraving
Maker: Philippe Bouttats (engraver), after Hendrik van Deventer, France/Low Countries, 1734
