Accession No
6361
Brief Description
papier mâché didactic human anatomical model with detachable limbs and organs, by Louis Thomas Jérôme Auzoux, French, late 19th to early 20th century, [Whipple name: “Marcel”]
Origin
France; Saint-Aubin-d'Écrosville [attributed]
Maker
Auzoux, Louis Thomas Jérôme
Class
biology; demonstration; medical; physiology
Earliest Date
1837
Latest Date
1920
Inscription Date
Material
papier mache (paper, glue, cork, clay); plaster; metal; paint; varnish
Dimensions
1380mm high
Special Collection
Provenance
Purchased from Philippe Lamoussiere, Le Clos de la Tour, 33920, St Christoly de Blaye, France on or before 25/06/2007.
Inscription
Description Notes
Papier mâché didactic human anatomical model with detachable limbs and organs, by Auzoux, French, late 19th to early 20th century. [Whipple name: “Marcel”]
Hand painted and varnished plaster and papier mache anatomical model of a human. The model shows the musculature and bones of the human figure. The cranium opens to expose a removable brain; both sides of the face can also be removed separately. The torso of the figure can be completely removed to expose the detachable organs of the body, and both arms and the leg not supporting the model are also detachable. Parts are attached to the main structure and to each other by means of metal hooks.
The figure is mounted standing upright on one foot on a metal tripod.
References
Events
Description
In contrast to an older generation of wax models of fauna anatomy, those produced by Louis Thomas Jérôme Auzoux (1797–1880) enabled a systematic disassembly and reconstruction of the modelled object. Using a new, secret recipe for a tough, durable type of papier-mache, Auzoux produced a wide variety of anatomical, zoological, and botanical didactic models. Intended for university training, the enhanced colouring of the Auzoux models facilitated the identification of anatomy, and an elaborated labelling system accompanied each model. Depending on the example, the identifiable and removable parts could be extensive. For example, the ‘Complete Clastic Human’ model produced by Auzoux in 1858 contained 92 removable pieces on which there were over 2000 labeled details. To enhance the ‘dissection’ experience, a spatula was used to unhinge the clastic pieces of the model in a fashion similar to the surgeon’s scalpel on the dissection table.
In this example, the model shows the musculature and bones of the human figure. The cranium opens to reveal a removable brain, and both sides of the face detach separately. The torso disassembles to expose detachable organs, and both arms and legs can be completely removed from the body.
05/11/2013
Created by: Allison Ksiazkiewicz on 05/11/2013
FM:46843
Images (Click to view full size):
