Italian Anatomical Waxworks - Anaglyphs

Clemente Susini (1757-1814) created over 2,000 anatomical wax sculptures for private collections and institutions of medical education. Not only are Susini's waxworks masterpieces of art, capturing the beauty and intricacies of the human form, but they are also treasures for anatomy education, providing accurate 3D representations of anatomical structures modeled from fresh dissections.

Modern anatomy students typically learn from cadavers where tiny delicate structures such as lymphatics are difficult to see, and colors are either dull or artificial. Two hundred years ago, students learned from Susinis waxworks in accurate, in-vivo detail and vivid color. Today, imaging technologies can allow medical students everywhere to learn from Susinis art through simulation.

In May of 2007, Robert Chase, MD, the Emile Holman Professor of Surgery (Emeritus), realized his vision of capturing Susini's waxworks with 3D stereo photography when an international team captured six images of Susini's work. Dr. Amy Ladd, professor of orthopaedic surgery and chief of the Chase Hand Center, led the team with Chase's vision of linking past and future technology as its theme. The team consisted of members from Stanford University Medical Media and Information Technologies (SUMMIT) and colleagues from Bologna, Italy. They partnered with Dr. Ruggeri at the University of Bologna (Institute of Human Anatomy), and Bernard Makinson, a stereo photographer. The photographs were taken at the Museo delle Cere Anatomiche Luigi Cattaneo.

These first six images represent a pilot for a larger program that will be launched in the fall of 2008. The goal is to bring these waxworks to a larger audience that includes medical students and art enthusiasts alike. Viewing these images with blue-red 3D glasses will render the waxworks in stunning detail.

Link to the waxworks project page.

6 photos | 5,313 views

items are from between 27 Apr 2008 & 29 Apr 2008.