André Vesalius was a 16th-century Belgian anatomist and physician, often referred to as the father of modern anatomy. He is best known for his groundbreaking work, *De humani corporis fabrica*, published in 1543, which provided detailed descriptions and illustrations of human anatomy based on direct observation and dissection. Vesalius challenged the long-held teachings of ancient scholars like Galen, emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence in medicine. His meticulous studies laid the foundation for future anatomical research and significantly advanced the understanding of the human body, influencing both medicine and art during the Renaissance.