Facial Anatomy & Toxicology- La Médecine Pittoresque

A remarkable plate from La Médecine Pittoresque, the influential French medical atlas published under the direction of Antoine Laurent Bayle, one of the foremost physicians of nineteenth-century Paris. This hand-colored steel engraving presents a striking anatomical study of the facial vasculature, with the arterial system meticulously rendered in vivid crimson against the exposed musculature and skeletal structure of the human head. The plate exemplifies the encyclopedic spirit of its era, pairing the anatomical figure with detailed illustrations of serpents (including what appears to be a parasitic worm and a viper) alongside botanical specimens from the Apiaceae family. This seemingly eclectic arrangement reflects the period's holistic approach to medical education, when physicians were expected to master zoology and botany alongside human anatomy. A compelling example of French scientific illustration at its finest, this plate bridges the worlds of art and medicine with characteristic nineteenth-century precision and elegance. A standout piece for collectors of medical antiques, natural history prints, or anyone drawn to the beautiful and the macabre. Size: 11.0" x 7.5" Condition: Very Good