56 Ambroise Paré (1510–1590) – Of Monsters and Prodigies: Conjoined Twins and Monstrous Pig – Engraving (1573)
This intriguing engraving features two distinct illustrations from a historical compendium of natural curiosities. The upper image depicts conjoined human twins, rendered with a focus on their unique anatomy. Below, a "monstrous pig" is shown with an unusual number of legs and an aberrant form. The accompanying English text discusses these "monsters and prodigies," reflecting early modern interests in documenting and understanding unusual biological phenomena. This print is a fascinating example of how such anomalies were recorded and presented in 16th-century natural history and "book of wonders" publications.
Ambroise Paré was an eminent French surgeon, anatomist, and one of the fathers of modern surgery. Beyond his medical treatises, he also engaged with unusual natural phenomena, compiling the influential work Des Monstres et Prodiges ("Of Monsters and Prodigies"), first published in 1573. In this work, Paré cataloged and described various anomalies—from congenital malformations to mythical creatures—attempting to explain their causes from a medical and philosophical perspective. His contributions were highly significant for the development of both medicine and natural history.
Artist or Maker: Ambroise Paré
Dimensions: Approximately 30 cm x 20 cm
Medium: Engraving
Date: 1573
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Estimate | 600 - 900 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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