Bernhard Siegfried Albinus published Tabulae sceleti et musculorum corpis humani (1747) in an effort to improve the scientific accuracy of anatomical illustrations. Arguably the most important medical atlas of the 18th century, it contained a total of 40 copperplate engravings, including three of full human skeletons and nine of écorché figures illustrating successively higher orders of musculature.

Albinus's partner in the project was the artist-engraver Jan Wandelaar, a gifted draftsman with prior experience as a scientific illustrator. Together they developed a drawing technique wherein nets of square webbing were placed between the artist and the specimen, allowing the image to be copied by reference to a grid. Albinus vetted each figure for objectivity, symmetry and vitality, ordering Wandelaar to redo illustrations until they met his standards of perfection. In total, the project required 20 years to complete; 13 to produce the artwork, and a further 7 or 8 to engrave.

In order to enhance the illusion of three-dimensionality, Wandelaar was given permission to place his figures in naturalistic settings. Two such plates feature Clara, the first living rhinoceros calf brought to Europe, whose celebrity assisted in the marketing of the book. While these artistic flourishes met with some controversy in their time, they are much appreciated in our own. 

The Ibis’s giclée process uses archival pigment inks on 100% cotton rag paper to achieve crisp detail and rich, lasting color. Unlike posters, they will not yellow with time, but will maintain their original quality for as long as you own them.

All of The Ibis's prints come with a 100% happiness guarantee. If you are disappointed in your purchase for any reason, you are welcome to return it for a full refund.