1543 First Edition of Vesalius’s De Humani Corporis Fabrica to Auction

Catawiki has announced the upcoming auction of a copy of the 1543 first edition of Andreas Vesalius’s De Humani Corporis Fabrica Libri Septem, the foundational work of modern anatomy and Renaissance printing, offered with no reserve price.

"Offering a 1543 Fabrica without reserve is always a major event in the antiquarian book trade," said Francesco Magnani, Category Lead Books & Historical Memorabilia at Catawiki. "While this copy bears the marks of time, with a restored binding and two missing gatherings, it remains a monumental artifact. It represents a strategic acquisition for a collector or institution looking for a genuine, institutional-grade copy of Vesalius's masterpiece without the six-figure premium of a flawless example." 

While pristine copies of the 1543 Fabrica routinely fetch six-figure sums, this specific copy is valued at an estimated €30,000-€50,000, and will be featured in Catawiki’s Old & Rare Books Auction (Pre-1700) sale running May 22 through May 28.