About this artwork

Born in East Kilbride, in 1748 John Hunter moved to London to assist his brother William in his recently founded anatomy school. It was here that he learned the principles of surgery, supplementing his knowledge through various hospital training posts. Recognised the world over as the father of scientific surgery, Hunter is depicted by Reynolds at the height of his career. Anatomical preparations and volumes on fossils, plants and animals surround him, all suggestive of his breadth of interests and his enquiring mind for the world around him. Part of the 7’ 7” skeleton of Charles Byrne, the ‘Irish Giant’, can be glimpsed behind the surgeon.

Updated before 2020

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William Overend Geller

William Overend Geller