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Proceedings SNO “LXI Congresso Nazionale SNO”

tory of human anatomy both conceptually and aesthet-
ically, the first real treatise on human anatomy written
in a scientific way, which emphasizes the importance
of dissection. The plates of the seventh book from the
Fabrica show the first realistic rendering of the brain.
The beautiful engravings by Vesalius show us an illu-
stration of the lateral surface of the brain, he designed
the gyri and the convolutions of the brain depicted
completely randomly. Vesalius followed Galen in stres-
sing the protective function of the meninges, he did not
recognize the arachnoid membrane as a separate enti-
ty but mentioned the pia mater as a mold of the brain
protecting it from the rough dura mater (Figure 4).
COSTANTINUS VAROLIUS (1543-1575), a physician from
Vesalius’ school, confirmed Vesalius’ findings on me-
ninges and achieved celebrity for his idea to examine
the inferior view of the brain (Figure 5).
GIROLAMO FABRICI D’ACQUAPENDENTE (1533-1619) in
1600 had amassed more than 300 painting that togeth-
er made the Tabulae Pictae, a document of exception-
al scientific value, thanks to the unprecedented realism
given to the anatomical structures by the innovative
Figura 3. From Dryander, Anatomiae, 1537.
use of colors. It is thanks to Fabrici for having first af-
firmed the importance of the use of color in anatomi-
cal images, a reference book containing illustrations,
main source of scientific authority, affirmed a “mod- hand-painted with natural colors, with details of the
ern” anatomy sustained by manual virtuosity. His De human body. Only the illustrations (over 200), paint-
Humani Corporis Fabrica Libri Septem (1543) is a ed in oil on paper, whose dark background helps to
perfect synthesis of scientific rigor and artistic beauty, suggest a three-dimensional effect. The third volume
which remains the most representative book in the his- of these Tabulae entitled De Anatomia Capitis Cerebri

Figure 4. From Vesalio, De humani corporis fabrica libri sep- Figure 5. From Varolius, De nervis Opticis, 1573.
tem, 1543.

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