Breast Operation and Ring Clamp, Diderot Chirurgie Plate XXIX, circa 1772

This is an original antique copper engraving, uncolored, with seven numbered figures. Fig. 1 shows a woman, head and shoulders, during an operation on the breast: one hand draws the breast forward by cords passed through it while the other holds a blade at its base. Fig. 2 is a two pronged fork on a pointed tang, Fig. 3 a broad straight blade and Fig. 4 a narrow double edged blade, each with a pointed tang for a handle. Fig. 5 is a hinged ring clamp with two long arms. Fig. 6 shows the ring clamp placed around a breast on a female torso, its arms held by two hands. Fig. 7 is a strap with a plate and buckle, with a small ringed disc beside it.

The plate number "Pl. XXIX." is lettered at the top right outside the border, the section title "Chirurgie." below the border, and the page number "92." at the lower left. No engraver's mark is lettered at the lower right.

This sheet comes from the Recueil de planches of the Encyclopédie of Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert, in the Livorno edition published by Giuseppe Aubert, whose plate volumes appeared between 1771 and 1778. The Chirurgie plates set out instruments, bandages and apparatus, keyed to an explanation in the text volume.

It pairs naturally with other Chirurgie plates for a coordinated group in a study or consulting room.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed.