De Anatomische Les van Dr. Zacheus de Jager (1640)

Abstract

The Anatomical Lesson of Dr. Zacheus de Jager (1640) One of the paintings in the Gouda Municipal Museum "The Catharina-Gasthuis" is an anatomical lesson by the Dutch master Christiaen Coeuershof (1596-1659). This painting, oil on panel. 122 x 161 cm., is dated "1640". It depicts an anatomist, demonstrating the dissection of a human body to four persons, one of them carrying a weapon. Through an investigation in the municipal archives of the former province of Holland the identity of the persons portrayed and the origin of the picture have been revealed. The anatomist was praelector Zacheus de Jager. the four other persons were the wardens of the Enkhuizen guild of surgeons. The man with the weapon was at the same time captain (provost) of the admiralty. It has not been found that anatomical demonstrations were given in Enkhuizen; there was not an anatomical theatre. The anatomy on the painting of Coeuershof must probably be seen as a symbolic act rather than as a historical reality. This vision seems to be supported by the way in which the anatomist is carrying out the dissection. The praelector handles the knife as if it were a pen and his fingers touch the wound. Furthermore it was very unusual to begin a demonstration at the sternum.