GAMELIN, Jacques |
Nouveau Recueil d'Osteologie et Myologie, dessine d'apres nature |
Toulouse: J.F. Desclassan, 1779. |
Two parts in one volume. |
85 full-page engravings and/or lithographs; 11 half-page etchings or engravings. |
Folio, 547 x 435 mm. |
Contemporary blue patterned paper over boards, vellum spine. |
First and only edition. |
Jacques Gamelin was a well-regarded 18th century painter whose work echoes that of Salvator Rosa and anticipates Goya. He produced this book as an anatomical guide for artists rather than a scientific treatise. It is composed of two parts, separately treating skeletal and muscle anatomy. The highly romanticized illustrations depict skeletons and musclemen in a variety of dramatic and sometimes macabre poses and settings designed to show artists how to realistically portray the human body in their pictures. |
Gamelin published 200 copies of the book at his own expense but it didn't sell, which was a financial disaster that left him broke. Most of the unsold copies were pulped or dismembered by the printer, and consequently, complete copies are now exceedingly rare. ![]() From Gamelin, Nouveau recueil d'osteologie et myologie, Toulouse 1779. |
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From Gamelin, Nouveau recueil d'osteologie et myologie, Toulouse 1779. |