‎WERNER, GEORG H. ‎
‎Unterricht, wie die zur Zeichenkunst gehorige Anatomie Mahler, Bildhauer und Anfangern der Chyrurgie zu erlernen haben.‎

‎Erfurt, Straube, 1770. 8vo. In contemporary half calf with three raised bands. Small paper-label pasted on to top of spine. Top of spine missing parts of leather. A few marginal stains and marks throughout. Plates with margnial brownspotting, otherwise a nice copy. Engraved title-page. (8), 132, (4) pp. + 9 plates. ‎

Reference : 61435

‎The exceedingly rare first (only?) edition of Werner’s work providing instruction on anatomy specifically intended for painters and sculptors who need a detailed understanding of the human body to accurately depict it in their work. The book covers the structure of muscles, bones and other anatomical features that are crucial for creating realistic representations of the human body. Furthermore the book is also aimed at beginners in surgery. The anatomical knowledge necessary for artists is not entirely unlike what was required for medical professionals, particularly surgeons. “Johan Werner Græbe (1741 in Eisleben, Prussia - 1781, in Helsingør, Denmark). He came to Denmark around 1758. Passed the surgical examination on March 30, 1764. Passed the final surgical exam on March 20, 1766. Surgeon in Helsingør, surgeon on the guard ship from September 2, 1767, gained citizenship on January 28, 1768. Married on December 2, 1767, in Helsingør to Ingeborg de Besehe, baptized on January 24, 1742, in Helsingør, buried there on December 22, 1779, daughter of City Surgeon Christoffer de B. and Anne Margrethe Meyer.” (Carøe, Den Danske Lægestand).‎