The depiction of lungs and cardiac silhouette in the Saint Francis of Assisi with Angels by Sandro Botticelli (1445-1510)

The depiction of lungs and cardiac silhouette in the Saint Francis of Assisi with Angels by Sandro Botticelli (1445-1510)

Authors

  • Hutan Ashrafian Imperial College London

Keywords:

Lungs, pulmonary, cardiac, silhouette, cardiopulmonary, art

Abstract

The Saint Francis of Assisi with Angels is considered a worldwide masterpiece painted by renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli. The painting reveals Saint Francis of Assisi surrounded by angels in a format that directly corresponds to lung anatomy and the cardiac silhouette. Together with previous evidence in Botticelli’s work, these findings add to the virtuosity and brilliance of Botticelli in depicting accurate human anatomy and highlight the role of topographical sciences and studying the human form for the presentation of both anatomical and abstract ideas in renaissance art.

Author Biography

Hutan Ashrafian, Imperial College London

Clinical Lecturer in Surgery

References

Lazzeri D. Concealed lung anatomy in botticelli’s masterpieces the primavera and the birth of venus. Acta Biomedica. 2017;88(4):502–9.

Lazzeri D, Al-Mousawi A, Nicoli F. Sandro Botticelli’s Madonna of the Pomegranate: The hidden cardiac anatomy. Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. 2019 Apr 1;28(4):619–21.

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Published

11-05-2022

Issue

Section

MEDICAL HUMANITIES

How to Cite

1.
The depiction of lungs and cardiac silhouette in the Saint Francis of Assisi with Angels by Sandro Botticelli (1445-1510). Acta Biomed [Internet]. 2022 May 11 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];93(2):e2022201. Available from: https://mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/11984