Squeamish look away now!

This fine sheet of meticulously executed anatomical studies was drawn by Hans Anderla in Vienna in 1888. Anderla was possibly associated with the presitigious Medical University of Vienna, which was celebrated for having one of the world's largest anatomical wax models collections to be used for training purposes. The models were commissioned by Emperor Joseph II between 1784 and 1786 and crafted by Florence masters. Just under 1,200 elaborately finished anatomical wax models were transported on pack donkeys from Florence to Vienna. The models were displayed in ornate Venetian hand-blown glass cases, which could be opened by students. Accompanying the models were coloured drawings mounted on the walls above, while explanatory sheets in three languages—Latin, Italian and German—were stored in drawers below.

Squeamish look away now!

VIEW IMAGE 1: Johann Anderla, Anatomical Study of Muscles of the Torso & Pelvis – 1888 watercolour painting (STOCK NUMBER: KD-597).
Image 2: Johann Anderla, Head, 1885;
Image 3: Wax anatomical model at The Josephinum, Vienna;
Image 4: Institut für Geschichte der Medizin, Vienna;
Image 5: Cabinets at the The Josephinum, Vienna