A Skeleton, from the Osteographia

Cheselden used the camera obscura to draw the human skeleton with unprecedented accuracy — projecting the specimen onto paper and tracing what the lens gave him, rather than what he expected to see. Then, in the taste of his age, he posed his skeletons kneeling in prayer or lost in meditation. Rigorous science wrapped in poignant theatre; among the most beautiful bone-books ever made, and a quiet argument that accuracy and feeling were never enemies.

Maker

William Cheselden

Date

1733

Medium of the original

Plate

Original held by

Published London, 1733 · Wellcome Collection

Credit

Published London, 1733 · Wellcome Collection

Rights

Public domain, verified

Catalogue number

PA-00940