Inevitabile Fatum — Johannes Dryander, 1537

Created for Johannes Dryander’s Anatomiae, hoc est, corporis humani dissectionis..., published in Marburg in 1537, this extraordinary Renaissance woodcut transforms a dissected human torso into an anatomical coat of arms. The vertebral column forms a strong central axis while ribs, shoulders, muscles, and surrounding structures unfold into an almost heraldic arrangement.

Lettered anatomical references combine scientific instruction with elaborate Renaissance ornament. At the base, a decorative cartouche bears the Latin phrase “INEVITABILE FATUM” — “inevitable fate.” The National Library of Medicine interprets this inscription as a deliberate link between anatomical study and the iconography of death, making the dissected body both an object of medical investigation and a reminder of human mortality.

Artwork Details

• Artist: Johannes Dryander (Johannes Eichmann), anatomist; woodcut design associated with his publication
• Title: Inevitabile Fatum
• Original title: Inevitabile Fatum
• Series: Anatomiae, hoc est, corporis humani dissectionis...
• Date: 1537
• Period: Renaissance / 16th century
• Place of Origin: Marburg, Germany
• Medium: Woodcut

Framed Print Details

• Fine art printing: Professional 12-color fine art printing technology produces vivid, accurate colors with strong tonal depth and significantly greater nuance than standard 4-color inkjet printing.
• Paper: Smooth premium matte paper with a clean, glare-free finish.
• Paper weight: 200 gsm (80 lb).
• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mils).
• Frame material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame dimensions: Approximately 20 mm (0.79 in) deep and 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the print while keeping the framed artwork lightweight.
• Ready to hang: A hanging kit is included, allowing the framed print to be mounted directly on the wall.
• Available sizes: Offered in a range of sizes to suit different spaces.
• Materials: Printed using FSC-certified paper and wood where available.
• Production: Each framed print is produced to order through a trusted international network of professional print studios.
• Shipping: Worldwide shipping is available.
• Made to order: There is no minimum order quantity. Each piece is printed and assembled on demand, reducing unnecessary stock and waste.

Exact frame dimensions, component availability, and production specifications may vary slightly depending on the selected size and destination.