Victorian Medical Chromolithograph – E. Burgess Diseases of the Skin - Prurigo Adolescentium – Plate XXXVIII (c.1870s)

Original 19th-Century Victorian Medical Chromolithograph – Prurigo Adolescentium, Plate XXXVIII - Dermatology 

Original 19th-century Victorian Medical Illustration 

“Historical Illustrations of Skin Disease:

Selections from the New Sydenham

Society Atlas 1860-

1884”

chromolithograph depicting Prurigo Adolescentium, taken from a dermatological atlas and illustrated by E. Burgess, with printing by West & Co., Hatton Garden, London. A rare and authentic example of medical art and early clinical documentation.

📚 Publication & Historical Context

This plate comes from a 19th-century atlas of skin diseases, often associated with the New Sydenham Society (c. 1860–1880s). Illustrated by E. Burgess and printed by West & Co., Hatton Garden, London, these atlases contained dozens of coloured plates documenting real clinical cases.

🧠 Medical Significance

The illustrations were used by physicians, medical students, and hospitals to study dermatology. Colour printing was crucial, as accurate skin tones and lesion colours were essential diagnostic clues.

This plate provides a rare glimpse into historical clinical practice, showing a chronic itching skin condition known as prurigo, and highlights the precision and artistry of Victorian medical illustration.

🏛 Who Made It

• E. Burgess – medical illustrator skilled in anatomy and lithography
• West & Co., Hatton Garden – leading London chromolithographers producing scientific plates
• Hatton Garden was a major printing and engraving district in Victorian London

🎨 About the Plate

This coloured plate (Plate XXXVIII) was produced using the chromolithography process, where multiple colour layers were applied to achieve remarkable clinical accuracy. Before the advent of colour photography, such illustrations were a vital educational tool for doctors and medical students.

✨ Collectible Appeal

Today, these prints are highly sought after for their:

• Historical importance
• Detailed anatomical illustration
• Unusual and conversation-starting subject matter

A compelling piece of medical history, scientific art, and Victorian printmaking, ideal for collectors, galleries, or distinctive interior display.

📋 Details

• Date: c. 1870s
• Technique: Chromolithograph
• Artist: E. Burgess
• Printer: West & Co., Hatton Garden, London
• Subject: Dermatology / Skin Disease
• Plate: XXXVIII
• Condition: Antique – Very Good; clear and bright detailed image, minimal age and use; ready for framing
• Dimensions: 55cm x 42cm

🌎 Shipping

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING – Carefully rolled between acid-free paper and securely packaged in a protective cardboard tube. Fully tracked and insured shipping via Royal Mail. Collection available from our store in Glasgow, UK.