Accession No
6095
Brief Description
Polychrome papier-Mache didactic models of the human uterus; dutch
Origin
Utrecht; Netherlands
Maker
Magazijn van Wetenschappelijke Instrumenten I.C. Th. Maurius Utrecht
Class
demonstration; physiology
Earliest Date
1875
Latest Date
1925
Inscription Date
Material
Paper (papier-mache, paper labels); metal (brass, white metal); wood (pine, unknown)
Dimensions
6095.l: 29.5cm high,17cm wide; 6095.2: 30.5cm high, 15cm wide
Special Collection
Provenance
Purchased from Christie’s, South Kensington, 85 Old Brompton Road, London, SW7 3LD, London, on 12/07/2006. Sale of Scientific, Medical and Engineering Works of Art.
Inscription
6095.1: Fabiek en Magazijn van Wetenschappelijke Instrumetnen I.C. Th. Maurius Utrecht
Description Notes
6095.1: A Dutch polychrome papier-mache didactic model of the human uterus with applied paper labels (two missing) on an ebonised base with brass maker's plaque. Held up by metal stand on wooden base. Realistic colouring.
6095.2: A later Dutch polychrome papier-mache didactic model of the human uterus with black number labels on an ebonised base and stand. Stylised colouring.
References
Events
Description
Confronted with a shortage of human remains for performing dissections, nineteenth-century model-makers began to produce life-like examples of anatomy that would support medical teaching. While anatomical models did not completely displace the value of observation through dissection, they were important objects for familiarizing and visualizing internal human anatomy. The famous French model-maker Louis Thomas Jérôme Auzoux (1797–1880) invented a special papier-mâché medium for producing inexpensive and durable models. Many model makers after him attempted Auzoux’s papier-mâché technique; however, few matched the quality that Auzoux was able to produce. Throughout the nineteenth century, model makers continued to experiment with different materials, including early forms of plastics. This polychrome model of the human uterus is made from papier-mâché.
18/02/2014
Created by: Allison Ksiazkiewicz on 18/02/2014
FM:46565
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