Anatomical figures on a cliff by the sea, their heads illuminated by light. Line engraving and etching by B. Probst, 1735.

Bible. O.T. Job 10.8-12. The Delphic "Know thyself" is related in the picture to Job's words: "Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again? Hast thou not poured me out as milk and curdled me like cheese? Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit."

The only sign of spirit is light descending on the skulls of the figures; otherwise Job's words go towards unveiling the fragile mortality of the anatomical subject and, conversely, the physicality of the religious subject. The sea further amplifies the vulnerability

[Amsterdam] : P. Schenk and P. Mortier, 1735.

1 print : line engraving ; platemark 32 x 20.9 cm

Iob. Cap. X. v. 8-12. Gnothi seauton. Buch Hiob Cap. X. v. 8-12. Lerne dich selbst erkennen. B. Probst sculps. The figures are marked "A" and "B". Scheuchzer describes on p.44 that A. is an adult skeleton, B. a skeleton covered with muscles, and inbetween are the nerves of the thigh and leg Bears number: Tab. DXV.

Ornamental border by J.D. Preissler

Wellcome Collection 15537i