The portrait depicts Imbert Delonnes (1747–1818), an innovative surgeon from France.

He is presented in a neoclassical style, holding his pen as if putting the finishing touches to one of his works. The huge glass jar holds a giant testicular tumour removed by the surgeon from Charles Delacroix, French Foreign Minister and legally father of the painter Eugène Delacroix. This portrait will enhance the special 'French Collection', formed by the Wellcome Library in the 1920s and 30s, and consisting of memorabilia of French doctors and scientists (Marey, Pasteur, Gachet and others).

Provenance

English private collection; sold to Dider Aaron at Philip Serrell Fine Art Sale, 2010 .


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