Artwork
Muscular tissue of the finger
Muscular tissue of the finger is a drawing by S. v.d Berg. It dates from 1967 and is held in the collection of the Leiden University Libraries. Created in 1967 by S.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1967 by S. v.d Berg, this illustration presents a single human finger stripped of its outer layers to expose the underlying muscular and tendinous structures. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and is catalogued as an image rather than a traditional drawing or painting.
Subject & Meaning
The image concentrates on the anatomical mechanics of the finger, emphasizing the arrangement and interaction of muscles and tendons rather than external appearance. By revealing the internal anatomy, the piece invites contemplation of the body’s functional architecture, treating the hand as a system of interconnected parts rather than a mere visual surface.
Technique & Style
Executed with precise, tightly controlled lines, the drawing employs cross‑hatching and shading to suggest volume and depth, giving the musculature a three‑dimensional quality. The meticulous rendering resembles a hand‑drawn X‑ray, combining scientific accuracy with an artistic focus on structure and form.
History & Provenance
The work was produced in the late 1960s, a period marked by heightened interest in anatomical study within artistic circles. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings shortly after its creation, where it remains accessible for research and public display as part of the institution’s visual anthropology collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Dutch artist S. van den Berg made precise drawings and sculptures of human muscles and bones. They focused on hands and arms, showing how the body works. You can see “Muscular tissue of the finger” and “Musculoskeletal…
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