CORY REYNOLDS | DATE 6/4/2016

The Anatomical Venus: Wax, God, Death & the Ecstatic

"Ladies and Gentlemen: from birth until death the road is long. A creature’s arrival on the scene of life and its development before reaching its definitive form represent astonishing problems. Anatomical science consists of this: Seeking the secret of life in death! In the injured organ, seeking the cause of the disease in order to alleviate suffering. That is what a scientist does! For you the People, it’s another matter. For you, anatomy is a reality about which your mind requires knowledge. Anatomical waxworks will teach you to understand yourself physically. Thus you will be able to contemplate your strengths and your weaknesses. Pathology will produce in you salutary dread." This 1908 poster copy for the Grand Muséum d'Anatomie in Paris and 1851 midwifery illustration are reproduced from The Anatomical Venus, launching today at the Morbid Anatomy Museum.