“The Anatomy Lesson” by Nina Siegal – The Drive of Death

Rembrandt’s ever-famous painting, The Anatomy Lesson, has appeared in virtually every way imaginable, from school textbooks all the way to internet humor; it is certainly one of the most influential works of art, not only for its composition, but also for the subject matter it depicts, especially considering at the time it was painted.

In The Anatomy Lesson, Nina Siegal takes it upon herself to write a historical fiction surrounding the painting itself. And thus, we are treated to a rather unusual story happening from multiple perspectives and in two different time periods.

On one hand, the details of the events leading up to that dissection are explored from the point of view of every character involved in the painting, and on the other hand, we are given the opportunity to look at it in hindsight through a 21st century restoration expert.

On the whole, I have to say that even though the story feels a bit disjointed and direction-less at certain times, it makes for a very interesting and unique experience that is far beyond enjoyable as it is.

Each one of the characters in the painting is uniquely-detailed, in the sense that they are all very unique, peculiar and even eccentric to a certain extent. It would even be fair to say that each of the characters was created to represent the different approaches and attitudes one can have in regards to death.

Before going deeper into that though, I just want to say that the story itself has more than enough to keep you interested, for there is a mystery abound discovered by the restoration expert, and on the whole, the plot moves towards its resolution.

Though slower moments are found within, there will always be an element to pique your curiosity. And all of it is set amidst a masterfully-described flourishing Amsterdam of the 17th century, one that makes you wish you were born in a different time.

Rembrandt van Rijn. The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp, 1632

As far as deeper meanings and such go, this is where the book truly excels in my opinion. Everything revolves around the cadaver of a wretched man placed on a cold slab, and from this our possible approaches to death are derived.

For instance, we get to witness the calculating and scientific approach through Dr. Nicholas Tulp, the compassionate perspective through a pregnant girl, Flora, the curious and fascinated point of view through Jan Fetchet, a curio dealer, and so on and so forth.

Also, the author doesn’t neglect the main attraction of the evening: Adrien Adrianenzoon was a person before ending up in such a peculiar situation, and his story is that of crime, eternal doom, and lack of much-needed forgiveness from society.

With all being said and done, The Anatomy Lesson is, in my opinion one of the more introspective, enjoyable, enthralling and thought-provoking historical fictions out there, and I believe that lovers of art and philosophy have a good chance of becoming infatuated with this work of writing. I can do nothing but recommend it seeing how solid it is on all fronts.

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Nina Siegal Nina Siegal is an American author who grew up in New York City and today lives in the renowned town of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. She frequently contributes to the International New York Times, and quite recently her most popular book yet, The Anatomy Lesson.