ITALIAN SCHOOL, 18TH – 19TH CENTURY

modelled as a human head shown in profile, the figure depicted with cranial nerves highlighted in pigment and strands of hair at the back of the scalp, set on an oval glass panel with a gilt wood frame

A German private collection.

It is in overall good condition except for a retouched Y-shaped branch of the red nerve. There are also expected stains, adhesions, crackles, minor dents and scratches.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The practice of anatomical wax modelling originated in the Italian university centres of Florence and Bologna, with documented prototypes created by the Florentine Mannerist sculptor Lodovico Cardi ‘Il Cigoli’ (1559-1613) and Gaetano Zumbo (1656-1701). The 18th century saw an increase in the production and use of anatomical waxes as a means to train doctors, surgeons and midwives. Bologna and its eminent university were at the forefront of this movement, producing masters in this skill such as Ercole Lelli (1702-66) and Giovanni Manzolini (1700-55). It was their work that inspired the Florentine sculptors at the Museo della Specola, who were driven by the efforts of the surgeon Giuseppe Galletti, professor of obstetrics in the hospital of Santa Maria Nuova in Florence. It is likely that the present anatomical head was modelled within this milieu, which combined scientific accuracy with artistic skill.

For further information, see Marta Poggesi, 'The Anatomical Waxes of "La Specola"', La Specola: Anatomie in Wachs in Kontrast zu Bildern der modernen Medizin, P. Friess and S. Witzgall, eds, Bonn, 2000; and Monika von During, Marta Poggesi, Georges Didi-Huberman, Encyclopaedia Anatomica, Museo La Specola Florence, Cologne, 2004.