Wax Anatomical Models

I am delighted by the growing swell of appreciation for wax anatomical models and the institutions that house them. The 17th and 18th centuries saw many great contributions to the science of anatomy. While skillfully executed drawings did much to spread knowledge of anatomy during that time, the anatomist's art truly "came to life" with the production of the first wax anatomical models in the early 1700's. Italy was a hub of anatomic activity during that time, and a handful of workshops took to the production of wax anatomical models, many of which may still be observed in Florence's Museo La Specola . Thanks to the talent and generosity of the bloggers at Curious Expeditions and Morbid Anatomy, anyone interested in the subject are only a click away from lovely photos, descriptions, and detailed histories of the production and display of wax anatomical models.

While the hospitalmuseum has never been in any position, financially, to acquire an authentic wax anatomical model, I have done exhaustive studies on the process, which culminated in the production of several competent representations of the early wax models. Below is an exhibit featuring one of my first heart models; it rotates slowly to reveal details on the front and back. It is nestled among items used in it's production:



1) Plaster mold from which the heart model is born. It is first bathed in warm water and liquid soap before layer upon layer of lightly pigmented wax is painstakingly brushed into the surface. 2) A mortar and pestle containing a blend of rare and exotic waxes melted in varying combinations and at different temperatures to create dramatic and lifelike effects. 3) Vials containing vegetable and mineral pigments to add color to the heart. 4) A bottle containing a a blend of plant resins in solution, brushed over the finished heart to lend a glistening depth and brilliance to the model.

I recently unpacked the equipment used in the production of the above model, and have begun to prepare a new batch of heart models based on the centuries-old ceroplastic art:















Masterpiece of the Mouliere's Art. Paul Baxendale. 2002. Mixed Media. HM909.3. Copyrighted image.

Ceroplastic Study: Cuore Umano. Paul Baxendale. 2009. Wax, Pigment, Natural Resins. HM1009.3-A. Copyrighted image.