Heinrich Wolff, “Anatomy Lecture”, 1905

Heinrich Wolff (1875–1940)
“Anatomy Lecture” (descriptive title only), 1905

In one of the few reproductions of this print that I have encountered, the scene is attributed to depict the seminal figure of modern medicine and bacteriology, Robert Koch (aka Heinrich Hermann Robert Koch) (1843–1910). Koch, renowned for his ground-breaking work in microbiology (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Koch). However, there is a compelling possibility that the lecturer, characterised by his large beard, may instead be Rudolf Ludwig Carl Virchow (1821–1902), widely regarded as “the father of modern pathology” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Virchow).

A notable feature of the image is what appears to be an X-ray illumination behind the lecturer. If this interpretation is accurate, it would suggest that neither Koch nor Virchow is the individual depicted, since the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Röntgen in 1895 would place the scene in a timeframe later than either of these figures were actively delivering lectures. This temporal discrepancy raises questions about the identity of the portrayed figure and the context of the scene.

The print itself is a large etching executed with aquatint and mezzotint techniques, and it exists as an early artist’s proof printed on fine wove paper. On the reverse side of the sheet is an engraving titled “Portrait,” dated circa 1804–1811, by Jean Massard (Jean Baptiste Massard, 1740–1822). This engraving depicts a studio copy of a self-portrait by Rembrandt (Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn, 1606–1669). For further details, see the British Museum’s description of Massard’s print: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1859-0806-472.

Size: (sheet) 59 x 40.5 cm; (plate) 46.7 x 33.9 cm; (image) 46 x 33.2 cm

Condition: a well-printed, near faultless, impression with an equally fine impression verso. There is a restored closed tear in the margin at upper left (with washi paper repair verso), otherwise the sheet is in a very good condition with no holes, folds or significant stains.

I am selling this remarkable proof-state impression of a medical lecture set in the early twentieth century with a patient being discussed as she lies in bed and what may be an illuminated X-ray in the background for the total cost of AU$402 (approximately US$265.75, EUR €225.6, or GBP £196.76). This price includes worldwide express shipping. Please note that any applicable import duties are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in purchasing this outstanding artist’s proof with an additional engraving (with etching) printed on the back of the sheet, please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.