The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Tulp

Abstract

The anatomy lesson of Dr Tulp is one of the most famous paintings by Rembrandt. A detailed examination of the scene leads us to believe that Dr Tulp was demonstrating the function of the flexor digitorum superficialis. Therefore, the painting is a true lesson in physiology which is in keeping with the spirit of the 17th century, which was the century in which the modern theory of movement in physics evolved. The anatomy lesson of Dr Tulp also symbolizes the break with the descriptive anatomy of Vesalius which occurred during this century.