Synopsis: Art is as timeless as it is wordless. In this it
differs from medical science, which is uniquely of and for its time, and which
has always required a literal articulation to be fully understood. Perhaps
these very differences explain why two such seemingly disparate fields should
naturally complement each other. As Medicine: The Art of Healing beautifully demonstrates,
art and medicine belong together. The forty eight splendid colorplates in this
book illustrate how the progress of medicine has been recorded in art, with
works from illuminated manuscripts and tapestries of the twelfth through the
fifteenth centuries, anatomical drawings from the Renaissance, satirical
drawings of the great eighteenth- and nineteenth-century caricaturists, and
much, much more. Masterpieces by great artists, such a Raphael, Poussin, Rembrandt,
Velazquez, Hogarth, Goya, Daumier, and Munch, are amply represented. But also, vitally important medical art by
ancient and unknown hands has been deservedly featured. The result is a volume
as visually varied as it is fascinating. Each of the superb color reproductions is accompanied by an
enlightening commentary by the medical historian Sherwin B. Nuland. The historical,
scientific, and social significance of the medical breakthroughs and procedures,
along with the personalities of both physicians and artists, are vividly
described in the test, which always serves to relate the healing art to the visual
arts, and vice versa. (from the inside
cover of the book)
Review: Being that I
have an interest in art, history, and medicine, I was delighted to find this
book in thrift store for mere pennies. Nuland is widely known for his writing
on the social and historical aspects of medicine, and here he applies that expertise
to the depiction of medicine in art throughout history. Carefully chosen art is accompanied by short
text that explain the artist, the time, the medical procedure, and the doctors.
I found the text disappointingly short, wanting more science
and medicine, and even, about how the picture was received. But Nuland errs on
the side of brevity and we are given only snippets of tantalizing explanations
of the picture. Several are familiar (i.e. Vesalius’ Muscle-Man) but others are
ones I have never encountered before and found interesting.
For anyone interested in medicine, art, and the place they
meet, this is a must read. Not worth the suggested price of $35, to be sure,
but for a few dollars, this entertaining volume would make a fine addition to
any artist’s or physician’s bookshelf.
Awards: None
ISBN 0-88363-29-6
Year Published: 1992
Date Finished: 12-26-2016
Pages: 115
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