Feature: from the archive - Imbert-Delonnes by Pierre Chasselat
20 October 2011. By William Schupbach
What is it?
A drawing of a gentleman in his study in 1799, surrounded by souvenirs of his life and work.
Why is it so special?
Until recently, this was a portrait of an unknown man. Research - in the Wellcome Library - by Marc Fecker, a scholar and dealer of French art, uncovered his identity: he is a French surgeon prominent in the age of Napoleon, Ange-Bernard Imbert-Delonnes (1747-1818). Although there had always been educated and skilful surgeons in France, the period around the Revolution (1789-1799) saw the whole profession of surgery rise in power and esteem.
This portrait records an exemplary member of this newly elevated class, or at least one wing of it. Imbert-Delonnes represented the interventionist school, and he was not afraid of operating on large embedded tumours, such as the one shown in the jar on the right - yes, he had it displayed in his elegant study!
The drawing is also notable from other points of view: for example, it is signed by the miniaturist Pierre Chasselat, but no other portrait by Chasselat with this richness of detail is known.
Can you see it?
Yes. It can be seen in the Wellcome Library in London, on request, by anybody. At its full size (62.5 x 47.8 cm), it's a memorable sight.
How can I learn more?
Read Toby Gelfand's book 'Professionalizing Modern Medicine: Paris surgeons and medical science and institutions in the 18th century' (Westport, Commeticut and London: Greenwood Press; 1980).
Find out more at the Wellcome Library catalogue.
This feature also appears in issue 68 of ‘Wellcome News’.
Image: Ange-Bernard Imbert-Delonnes. Drawing by Pierre Chasselat, 1799-1800 (Wellcome Library, London).
