Hidden Elements Limited Edition Prints

Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man, this work reimagines one of history's most recognisable anatomical studies as a contemporary reflection on medicine, science and humanity. Divided along the sagittal plane, the figure is half male and half female, acknowledging the universality of disease while revealing the organs treated by platinum-based chemotherapy. These organs are gilded with platinum leaf, transforming a precious metal into a symbol of modern medicine.

Platinum chemotherapy owes its existence to an unexpected scientific discovery. In the 1960s, researchers investigating the effects of electricity on bacterial growth observed that cell division had stopped. The cause was not the electrical current itself, but a platinum compound released from the electrodes. This chance observation led to the development of cisplatin, the first platinum chemotherapy, and a family of drugs that have since transformed the treatment of cancers including those of the ovary, testis, bladder, lung and bowel, benefiting millions of patients worldwide.

Like Leonardo's pursuit of understanding the human body through anatomy and observation, this work celebrates the curiosity and scientific discovery that continue to reshape our understanding of the body, and our ability to heal it.

Hand signed, giclée print on 310 gsm Museum Heritage acid-free paper, meeting the highest museum quality archival standards, hand-embellished with platinum leaf. The images of the framed artwork are of the original, to demonstrate an example of float framing. 

Size is 28x28 cm and will be printed on A3 paper, signed and edition number. You can opt for a deckled (torn) edge to allow you to float-frame the print like the original. Alternatively you can opt for a white mount for standard framing. Like the original the torn edge is slightly uneven, so the print may need repositioning during the framing process. 

This is a limited edition with only 30 available.

Shipping is usually within 1 week and sent next day special delivery, tracked and signed for. The art is carefully packed in a solid cardboard tube and wrapped in acid-free paper.

COLLECTION - if you are local to Hitchin and would prefer to collect, please send me a direct message.

Care Advice

Please keep the print out of direct sunlight and frame under acrylic or glass protection (ideally UV protected) to avoid deterioration in pigments.

Please make sure your hands are clean and remove the print carefully from the packaging.