Studies of the Fetus in the Womb

Studies of the Fetus in the Womb are two coloured annotated sketches by Leonardo da Vinci made in around 1511.

[1] The studies correctly depict the human fetus in its proper position inside a dissected uterus.

[2] Leonardo studied human embryology with the help of anatomist Marcantonio della Torre and saw the fetus within a cadaver.

[3] The other study, measuring 30.3×22 cm, shows female external genitalia, the supposed arrangement of abdominal muscles on the top right and fetus from different angles.

The tablet at the top contains an Italian inscription: "Dimanda la moglie di Biagin Crivelli come il cappone alleva le oua della ghallina essendo lui imbricato" ("Ask Biagino Crivelli's wife how the capon rears and hatches the eggs of hens when he is unplucked").