Wax male figure showing the muscles and bones of the body, Florence, Italy, 1776-1780
The skin and some of the muscles of this half life-size wax figure have been removed to reveal the deep muscles and the skeleton. This model is part of a series that shows layer after layer of tissue being removed to expose the internal structure of the body. The life-size versions were used in the Zoological Museum of the University of Florence, known as La Specola, by the Grand Duke of Tuscany when teaching anatomy to students. The series was probably made by the workshop of one of the most famous wax modellers of the time, Clemente Susini (1754-1814), who was renowned for his accurate anatomical detail.
Object number:
A608372
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.