This Anatomy Lesson originally depicted ten surgeons and several college masters, besides Dr. Johan Fonteijn (1574-1628). Fonteijn was prelector from the death of Sebastiaen Egbertsz in 1621. He was also personal physician to Prince Maurits of Orange. The painting was seriously damaged in the fire of 1723 but had probably already been reduced in size before this event. In the subsequent restoration, the canvas was cut down considerably and portions painted over. Only the top part of the middle section remains, with six portraits. The head above left comes from another part of the painting. The skull, which the prelector appears to be discussing, might be a later addition.