BRODEL,MAX (1870-1941) - HIS LIFE AND HIS ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SURGERY

Max Brodel (1870-1941), from Leipzig, Germany, is often referred to in the USA as the father of modern medical illustration and mentioned in the same breath as Leonardo da Vinci or Andreas Vesal. After a classi cal formal art education in Leipzig he worked in Carl Ludwig's laborat ory of physiology and anatomy, where he came in contact with American physicians. In 1894, the anatomist F. P. Mall convinced him to work fo r the recently inaugurated Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimo re, where he collaborated with world-famous surgeons such as H. A. Kel ly, W. S. Halsted, and H. Cushing. His illustrations were characterize d by meticulous observation, both realistic and explanatory intention, technical superiority, and artistic merit. In 1911 he established the first ''Department of Art as applied to Medicine''. Here, he proved t o be an innovative artist, a creative scientist, and an inspiring and skillful instructor. By the time of Brodel's retirement in 1939, 160 s tudents had graduated as medical illustrators. His pupils spread his p rinciples and style throughout the USA and Canada, and several similar academic programs for medical illustration have been founded in these countries.