Third Vision, from Mirrors of the Microcosm 1613

Lucas Kilian created this engraving, titled Third Vision, in Germany sometime between 1600 and 1637. The image is part of a series exploring the human body as a microcosm of the universe, a popular Renaissance idea. The print visualizes the body as a site of complex systems, mapping organs and veins like a strange landscape. Produced during a period of scientific revolution, the image reflects a growing interest in empirical observation and anatomical study, yet also persists in a belief in man’s divine creation. It’s worth noting that, at this time, access to and circulation of anatomical knowledge was limited, determined by institutional structures such as the church and the university. To truly understand this image, one must delve into the history of science, medicine, and religion during the early 17th century. Such research allows us to consider how cultural values shape the production and reception of art.