Preserving Valverde: the conservation of a Renaissance anatomy book

Before the Renaissance, medical knowledge in Europe was largely based on ancient authoritative texts, and physicians often followed theories established centuries ago in their learning and teaching. During the 16th century, medicine gradually placed greater emphasis on direct observation and practical investigation. Human dissection also became an important foundation for medical education and research. One of the most influential texts sharing this new observational knowledge was Anatomia del corpo umano con molte figure by the Spanish physician Juan Valverde de Amusco (1525–1588).

Open book with elaborate title page: two skeletons hold an oval surmounted by a pig, a monkey and skulls. The oval rests on bones atop a base decorated with surgical friezes. The whole surmounted by an architectural pediment.

Title page for Valverde's Anatomia.

Valverde studied medicine in Italy and later practised in Rome during a period of rapid development in Renaissance medicine. He first published his anatomical work in Spanish in 1556, followed by an Italian edition three years later. The copy held by the RCP is the 1560 Italian edition. At a time when many medical texts were written in Latin and mainly intended for scholars, Valverde published his work in European vernacular languages and included detailed copperplate engravings that presented the human body clearly. Together, these features made new anatomical knowledge more accessible to a wider audience of physicians and medical students.

The work has also attracted considerable attention because of its relationship with the Flemish anatomist Andreas Vesalius (1514–1564). Vesalius was one of the most influential figures in the history of anatomy. His landmark 1543 publication, De humani corporis fabrica, combined knowledge gained through human dissection with detailed illustrations and helped establish anatomy as a foundation of medicine. Vesalius criticised Valverde for allegedly failing to carry out human dissections himself and accused him of borrowing extensively from his anatomical illustrations. Valverde openly acknowledged Vesalius’s influence, expressed his admiration for him and admitted that some illustrations were based on Vesalius’s work. However, he maintained that he had written the entire text himself and had reorganised and revised the content. According to the Ars Anatomica project by the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh and Edinburgh University Library, Valverde’s text was shorter and simpler than Vesalius’s work, which may have helped it reach a broader readership.

Composite image comparing an anatomical illustration from Vesalius and a very similar illustration from Valverde.

Table of musculature from Vesalius (left) compared with a similar illustration from Valverde.

Closed book showing damage to the spine.

Valverde's Anatomia pre-conservation.

Conserving Valverde’s Anatomia

After more than four centuries of preservation and use, this important anatomical book has survived in a largely complete condition, although its binding has suffered considerable damage. The RCP copy of Anatomia del corpo umano con molte figure was rebound during the twentieth century. Over time, the leather had deteriorated, the covers and spine had become loose, and some areas of leather had been lost. The corners of the covers had also begun to delaminate – to separate into layers. Several layers of blue paper added to the spine during an earlier repair were restricting the book’s opening and placing additional strain on the binding whenever it was handled. Although the pages had experienced water damage and retained some staining, the textblock (the main body of pages inside the book) remained in generally good condition. The main concerns were concentrated in the binding structure that supported the book.

Open book, showing the ease of opening following conservation.

Conserved Anatomia with an easier opening.

Dr Diana Walford supported the professional conservation of this volume through the RCP’s Adopt a Treasure scheme. Book conservator Elizabeth Neville temporarily removed the original leather spine and took away the old paper linings that restricted the book’s opening. After the spine had been cleaned, it was strengthened with thin but durable Japanese tissue and given a new paper support, allowing the pages to open more naturally. The separating corners of the covers were secured, while severely deteriorated leather was removed. New dyed leather was then used to strengthen the spine. Finally, the conservator reattached the original decorated leather spine, preserving the distinctive features of the book’s earlier binding.

Following conservation, the connection between the covers and the textblock is stable again. The book opens more easily, reducing the strain placed on its binding during handling. Its existing protective book shoe can also continue to be used, providing an additional layer of protection. The treatment has extended the life of the book and allows it to continue supporting research, display and teaching. Dr Diana Walford’s support has helped preserve this important witness to the development of Renaissance medicine for the future.

Shu-Yu Ho

University of Leicester MA Museums Studies placement

Library, Archive and Museum