Print, satirical print, Egbert van Heemskerck II, circa 1730

A satire on anatomists set in a room resembling a butcher's shop in which a group of men, with the heads of different animals, watch a dissection. By the light of a hanging lamp a ape-faced man, wearing a feathered turban disembowels the body of a young cat, which lies on a covered table. A bespectacled ape-man, wearing a long fur robe and a cleaver in his belt, appears to give instruction, four other men clustered round watch closely: one with an an ass's head holding a knife; one with the head of a dog, another that of a fox; the fourth with that of an ape. In the background is another group with the heads of a bear, a goat and a ram; the former with a child on his shoulder. An ape in funeral dress talks to a cat-woman. In the foreground are a butcher's block and two tubs filled with body parts topped with the head of an ass and cat. The stuffed skins of various animals and fish hang from the ceiling, including that of a swordfish which has two toads balanced on it and three hares. The carcase of a cow is propped against the wall. C. 1730 etching and engraving. Date: circa 1730. Dimensions: Height: 374 mm (trimmed at top); Width: 310 mm (trimmed). Medium: paper. Collection: British Museum. Print, satirical print (BM 1866,0407.54)