Description of picture or words on picture and analysis: Incredibly detailed and precise. Started modern anatomy / surgery. Break away from Galenism but still working under that framework. Paradigm shift in anatomy. Anatomy / surgery became a respectable field because it became more detailed and technically accurate.
Context: Anatomy just supposed to demonstrate the truth of Galen rather than discover anything new. Galen was seen as ‘divine and indisputable.’ Versalius wanted to show that Galen’s knowledge of anatomy was inaccurate but had to thread carefully.
Reason for drawing such a picture / Target audience (Intention of artist): Improve the field of anatomy. Changed the methodology of anatomy for physicians and surgeons.
Relate picture to society at that time (Cultural Implications): Anatomy / surgery became a respectable field because it became more detailed and technically accurate. Paradigm shift in anatomy. Appealed to society as it did not dispute Galenic teachings, but was portrayed as an improvement to Galen’s framework, asserting that Galen was correct but inaccurate since he did not get to dissect humans at that time. Did not dispute the church’s teaching as well. Embed anatomy in medical health which was useful for military in the Renaissance. Notation of muscles started with Galen, and Vesalius followed. (Vesalius and the Galenists. Page 5 of 11)
My analysis: Showed that humans were not so unique after all, we share similarities with monkeys. A break away from religious views of humans that was in line with Renaissance thinking. Gave the thinking that humans are part of the environment and not superior to it.