RUYSCH (Frédérik). THESAURUS ANIMALIUM - ANATOMICORUM.... Lot 213

RUYSCH (Frédérik). THESAURUS ANIMALIUM - ANATOMICORUM. Cum figuris Aeneis. Amsterdam, J. Waesbergios, 1725-44. 18 parts, each with its own title, in 1 thick volume in-4°, hardback, untrimmed (contemporary binding). For the Thesaurus Animalium: [28]-20 pages and 7 engravings (1744) For the Thesaurus Anatomicorum : 1. 36 pages and 4 engravings (1739) - 2. 46 pages and 6 plates (1741) - 3. 36 pages and 4 plates (1754) - 4. 28 pages and 3 plates (1744) - 5. 28 pages and 3 plates (1744) - 6. 56 pages and 6 plates (1744) - 7. 22 pages and 4 plates (1727) - 8. 32 pages and 3 plates (1737) - 9. 43 pages and 4 plates (1744) - 10. 40 pages and 3 plates. (1729) - 11. [8]-32 pages and 3 plates (1738) - 12. [10]-22 pages and 3 plates (1742) - 13. [4]-20 and 1 plate (1742) - 14. 13 pages (1744) - 15. 12 pages (1725) - 16. 16 pages and 1 plate (1727) - 17. 81 pages (1751). The illustrations of this work are remarkable. Most of them were engraved by Mulder and Huyberts and drawn by the author. The latter was probably the most original artist in the history of anatomical preparations, he liked to create elaborate three-dimensional emblems of mortality from his specimens. These fantastic and dreamlike concoctions constructed from human anatomical parts are illustrated in the Thesaurus on large fold-out plates. In their dreamlike qualities, many of the plates depicting the preparations reflected surrealism centuries before surrealism became fashionable. Ruysch's Thesaurus Anatomicus describes and illustrates the spectacular collections of "Anatomical Treasures" he produced for display in his home museum between 1701 and 1715 using secret methods of anatomical injection and preservation. His cabinet of curiosities was acquired by Tsar Peter the Great for the sum of 3000 florins. Some browning of plates and leaves, the copy has retained its original margins.