Rare Anatomy Prints from the External Forms of Man by Doctor J. Fau

Anatomy is the study of the structure of an object, in this case the human body. Human anatomy deals with the way the parts of humans, from molecules to bones, interact to form a functional unit. Original anatomy prints remain very collectable and a now sought after guide by a Doctor J. Fau is well worth looking out for.

The works title is "The Anatomy of the External Forms of Man, Intended for the use of Artists, Painters and Sculptures by Doctor J. Fau".  This extremely rare 'Atlas' guide from 1849 contained twenty eight drawings from nature, lithographed by M. Leveille, Pupil of M Jacob. Published by Méquignon Marvis fils, and printed by Lemercier, Paris.  Additional Plates by William Norris. Published: Bailliere, Tindall, & Cox, 20 King William Street, Strand.

These are large highly detailed and finely executed black-and-white lithographs.  The realistic and meticulously accurate drawings illustrate form as well as function, offering artists a mastery of anatomy through careful, knowledgeable articulation of the muscles and bones beneath the skin.

Above: Plate 3 from Anatomy of External Forms of Man. Interestingly each plate was accompanied by a text plate identifying in great detail all elements of the drawn figures.  An interesting note to plate above commented:

​"The student will do well to study the exact position of the male head on the neck, and to contrast it with the female. The ear is placed further forward in the female than in the male, and this holds, as Julio Romano has well shown, even in the heads of children. The balance of the female head on the neck presents in women much more graceful forms than in the finest male proportions. On the other hand, the head and neck of the true athlete differs from the usual forms and proportions on the ordinary male figure; and the dark races have their peculiarities".

If the study of anatomy is your passion or you just want some fascinating anatomy prints for decoration purposes the work of Doctor Fau is one to look out for.

Happy Hunting!

Drop me an email if you're interested in more anatomy plates by Doctor Fau.  Email: kevin@raremapsandprints.co.uk