Nicolaes Tulp was a prominent Dutch physician and anatomist in the 17th century, known for his role in the development of modern medicine. He served as the city physician of Amsterdam and was a member of the Amsterdam city council. Tulp is best remembered for his contributions to anatomy, particularly through his public dissections, which were attended by many interested citizens.
He gained fame through the painting "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp," created by the artist Rembrandt in 1632. This artwork depicts Tulp demonstrating the muscles of the arm to a group of fellow physicians. Tulp's influence extended beyond his medical practice, as he also authored several medical texts that contributed to the understanding of human anatomy.