Layers of anatomy : 18th-century anatomical wax models at the Josephinum : modeling technique and conservation strategies

The Josephinum's 18th-century wax model collection embodies the fusion of science and art. Commissioned by Emperor Joseph II for his medico-surgical academy, it originally comprised 1,200 models from La Specola in Florence, conceived as a three-dimensional anatomical atlas. Rather than dissecting to reveal anatomy, the models were built from the inside out, layer by layer in colored wax, to recreate the human body with striking realism. This article explores the collection's historical context, compares it to its counterpart in Florence, and highlights the innovative modeling techniques employed. CT and X-ray scans reveal internal structures and inform ongoing conservation, underscoring the collection's enduring educational and cultural value [Publisher's text].

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