Anatomie van de longen en de maag

About this artwork

Prent met anatomische gegevens van de longen en de maag.

Art Historical Context

This aquatint print presents a detailed anatomical view of the lungs and stomach, rendered with delicate tonal washes and fine line work. The organs are shown in cross-section, their spongy interiors colored in deep reds and browns, while lighter blue-gray areas suggest surrounding membranes. A segmented trachea rises from the center, and delicate vascular patterns are visible throughout the tissue. The composition floats against a plain background, allowing the viewer to focus on the precise rendering of internal structures. Created by Johannes Cornelis de Bruyn between 1812 and 1844, the work exemplifies the period’s emphasis on accurate medical illustration. Produced as an aquatint, it combines the tonal richness of watercolor with the reproducibility of printmaking, making complex anatomical knowledge accessible to students and practitioners. The Rijksmuseum’s catalogue identifies the sheet simply as a print conveying anatomical data of the lungs and stomach, reflecting the era’s growing interest in scientific observation and education.