Ratcheted Leg Brace and Splint, Diderot Chirurgie Plate XXXIII, circa 1772

About this sheet

This is an original antique copper engraving, uncolored, dominated by a large unnumbered figure of a bent leg fitted with a brace: buckled bands above and below the knee, a toothed ratchet wheel with a square socket at the side of the knee, and a strap running down the calf to the heel of a slipper. Fig. 1 is the winding key with a scroll handle. Fig. 2 is a long wooden splint, forked at the top, with a ratchet wheel and pawl on its side and pierced fittings near each end. Fig. 3 is an open stitched sheath with a cap at each end. Fig. 4 is a band looped over a board, with cords hanging from it, and Fig. 5 is a pair of curved rails joined by cross bars.

The plate number "Pl. XXXIII." is lettered at the top right outside the border, the section title "Chirurgie." below the border, and the page number "96." at the lower left. No engraver's mark is lettered at the lower right.

This sheet comes from the Recueil de planches of the Encyclopédie of Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert, in the Livorno edition published by Giuseppe Aubert, whose plate volumes appeared between 1771 and 1778. The Chirurgie plates set out instruments, bandages and apparatus, keyed to an explanation in the text volume.

Framed with a generous mat, the plate suits a study, a library or a medical practice.

Condition: Light uneven toning, browner toward the edges. Handling soiling along the top edge. Scattered light foxing in the margin. Slight wear at the top right corner. One larger brown mark.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and inspiration only, unless the listing explicitly states that the item is sold framed.