11 Surgical Instruments, made of wrought iron, for Cerusi or Surgeons, 1650-1680

An important set of 11 wrought-iron surgical instruments, dating from approximately 1650 to 1680, designed for use by surgeons and doctors for both surgical and dental procedures, according to the practices popular during the Baroque period.

The set includes scalpels, spatulas, scrapers, chisels, files, and more, demonstrating the great versatility required of medical professionals of the time, who were required to use multifunctional instruments for a wide range of procedures.

In fact, almost all the instruments not only have dual functions, but each part has multiple uses: the scalpels, for example, have opposing edges on a single end.

All the pieces display the characteristic "spool" workmanship, less pronounced than that of instruments from the first half of the 17th century. As the Baroque period progressed, the initial style adapted, evolving into more fluid and subtle lines, less ornate but equally elegant.

The collection represents a significant testimony both to the evolution of surgical practices in the Baroque age and to the exceptional expertise of master blacksmiths in working iron and creating medical instruments.