This selection of the art of Dr. Frank H. Netter on neuroanatomy and neurophysiology is drawn
from the Atlas of Human Anatomy and Netter’s Atlas of Human Physiology. Viewing these pictures
again prompts reflection on Dr. Netter’s work and his roles as physician and artist.
Frank H. Netter was born in 1906 in New York City. He pursued his artistic muse at the Sorbonne,
the Art Student’s League, and the National Academy of Design before entering medical school at
New York University, where he received his M.D. degree in 1931. During his student years, Dr.
Netter’s notebook sketches attracted the attention of the medical faculty and other physicians, allowing
him to augment his income by illustrating articles and textbooks. He continued illustrating as a
sideline after establishing a surgical practice in 1933, but ultimately opted to give up his practice in
favor of a full-time commitment to art. After service in the United States Army during the Second
World War, Dr. Netter began his long collaboration with the CIBA Pharmaceutical Company (now
Novartis Pharmaceuticals). This 45-year partnership resulted in the production of the extraordinary
collection of medical art so familiar to physicians and other medical professionals worldwide