Dwarsdoorsnede luchtpijp en longen - Lucas Kilian

A precise seventeenth-century anatomical engraving by Lucas Kilian, depicting a cross-section of the human trachea and lungs.

This engraving by Lucas Kilian presents a schematic cross-section of the human trachea and lungs. Kilian, a German engraver active in Augsburg, produced numerous works that bridged the gap between artistic printmaking and the growing demand for anatomical knowledge during the early seventeenth century. The image focuses on the structural arrangement of the respiratory system, using clear, deliberate lines to delineate the cartilaginous rings of the trachea and the branching pathways of the bronchial tree within the pulmonary lobes.

The composition is stark and functional, typical of anatomical plates intended for medical study or pedagogical reference. Rather than aiming for lifelike texture, the artist employs a graphic approach to ensure clarity of form. The internal structures are rendered with a focus on connectivity and spatial organisation, reflecting the period's interest in mapping the human body. The engraving technique allows for precise, clean edges, which were necessary for the reproduction of scientific diagrams in printed books and broadsheets of the era.

This print offers a glimpse into the intersection of art and early modern science. It demonstrates how engravers of the period translated complex biological forms into accessible visual information. The work remains a clear example of how anatomical observation was documented before the advent of modern medical imaging. Its aesthetic is defined by a disciplined use of line, prioritising the legibility of the subject matter over decorative flourish. This piece is suitable for those interested in the history of science, medical illustration, or the technical precision of seventeenth-century printmaking.