Prints of the Brain and the Heart 1733 - 1738

Jan l' Admiral created this print, one of a series on the brain and heart, using a combination of etching and mezzotint. This printmaking technique yields an image notable for its tonal range. Look closely, and you’ll see how the texture of the bone is softly rendered. The fine lines of the etching process are visible in the background, contrasting with the subtle gradations achieved by the mezzotint. Admiral’s method involved roughening the entire plate with a tool called a rocker, then smoothing areas to create lighter tones. It’s painstaking work, demanding great skill, especially given the scientific purpose. But why this investment of labor? Before photography, accurate representation depended on the artistry of those like Admiral, who combined technical know-how with an aesthetic sensibility. This print wasn't just a record; it was a crafted image, situated at the intersection of scientific inquiry and artistic practice. The value lies not just in the information conveyed, but in the complex process of its making.