Slokdarm en maag 1589 - 1637

Lucas Kilian made this print, ‘Slokdarm en maag’ – that’s ‘Esophagus and Stomach’ – sometime between 1594 and 1637, using an engraving technique. The image has been incised into a copper plate, allowing for the fine detail we see here. It shows the stomach and esophagus with remarkable precision. Look closely, and you can see the network of blood vessels intricately rendered. The lines vary in weight and density, creating a subtle sense of volume. The skill involved is considerable. Engraving is a slow, deliberate process, requiring immense control and an understanding of the body’s inner workings. It's interesting to consider the social context of this print. Scientific knowledge was still relatively rare and valuable, and prints like these played a vital role in disseminating information. The print is not just a medical diagram. It also reflects a highly developed craft tradition, one that blurred the boundaries between art and science.