Accession No
3274
Brief Description
anatomical model of the head, by SOMSO, German, 1880 (c)
Origin
Germany
Maker
Somso
Class
biology; physiology; demonstration
Earliest Date
1880
Latest Date
1880
Inscription Date
Material
wood; plaster
Dimensions
height 430 mm; diameter (base) 185 mm
Special Collection
Provenance
Purchased from Christie's, London, England, 12/12/1985.
Inscription
‘SOMSO’ (plaque on base)
Description Notes
Turned circular wooden base stained black with ring feet; inset moulded circular signature plate; adjustable electro-plated stand; plaster model of the external faetures of the head showing muscle structure, veins, arteries and nerves. Verso: a section through the head showing nasal passages, larynx, spinal column etc.; coloured with paint.
Condition
References
Events
Description
In 1876, Marcus Sommer (b.1845–?) founded SOMSO in Sonneberg, Germany. The end of the nineteenth century marked a significant change in the use of anatomical models in education and health reforms. In France, for instance, education about the operations of the body was believed to foster a healthier population, which in turn produced a stronger economy. As the modelling trade increased throughout the nineteenth century, modellers experimented with various techniques in order to produce an effect product. The famous French model-maker Louis Thomas Jérôme Auzoux (1797–1880) attributed the success of the German models to their affordability. Serial production was relatively uncommon in the trade, which meant that anatomical models were generally expensive.
18/02/2014
Created by: Allison Ksiazkiewicz on 18/02/2014
FM:40084
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