Ancient anatomists in discussion around a cadaver. Engraving by G. Appelmans, 1674.

A corpse, with an incision to its abdomen, is the subject of an anatomy attended by a group of figures in primarily antique dress. In the niche in the right background is a skeleton in the pose of the first skeleton plate in Vesalius's De humani corporis fabrica (Basel 1543). On the wall to the left of this niche and above a set of surgical instruments is the relief portrait of the Danish anatomist and physician, Thomas Bartholin, framed in palms. This is comparable to the portrait of Bartholin (see this catalogue, no. 817), after H. Ditner, engraved by G. Appelmans, who also engraved this title page to the fourth edition of Bartholin's compendium of the works of his father, Caspar Bartholin snr.