Bronze male anatomical figure, England, 1731-1770
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Sculpted from bronze, this type of anatomical figure showing the muscles without the skin is known as écorché. Part of the arterial blood network, which carries blood away from the heart, can also be seen. Anatomical figures were used to teach medical students anatomy as there was a shortage of bodies available for dissection as well as cultural and social taboos to be overcome. Preservation was also difficult. The figures were valued for their visual appeal and were often presented in stylised artistic poses.
Object number:
A653940
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: anatomical figure
Highly detailed models of the full human figure for artists, teachers and medical practitioners.
Glossary: anatomy
A branch of medical science concerned with the structure of living organisms.
Glossary: dissection
The cutting apart and separation of body tissues for the purposes of critical examination. Dissection of corpses is often carried out for the study of anatomy.