During my recent visit to the “Luigi Cattaneo” Anatomical and Pathological Wax Moulages exhibition at the Institute of Anatomy in Bologna, Italy, I was immersed in a fascinating journey back to the beginnings of the representation of the human body for scientific and educational purposes. This experience gave me a unique perspective on the evolution of anatomical visualization techniques and allowed me to draw parallels between the work of 18th-century artists and my own techniques and tools as a medical illustrator.

Wax Moulages as a Vehicle of Anatomical Knowledge:

Since Italy, the birthplace of modern anatomy, the use of wax models for anatomical purposes spread throughout Europe, with the first production centers established in Bologna and Florence during the 18th century. Wax, with its unique malleability and remarkable resemblance to the texture of human skin, became a preferred material for creating models of normal anatomy and various pathologies.

The models were created from cadaveric dissections, using colored malleable wax and, sometimes, plaster casts applied to iron structures or real skeletons.

These wax models played a crucial role as substitutes for real dissections, overcoming the limitations imposed by cadaveric decomposition and allowing medical students to explore the complexity of anatomy without the risks inherent in treating live patients.

Art and Science:

The need to present to students the intricate reality of the human body and its pathologies with the greatest possible realism prompted 18th-century scientists to seek the collaboration of artists.

This synergy between anatomists and artists resulted in the creation of anatomical representations, both in the form of illustrations (those featured in Vesalius’s “De humani corporis fabrica,” for example) and in three-dimensional models (such as the models featured in this exhibition, created by Clemente Susini, Giuseppe and Cesare Bettini, among others), that transcended mere scientific value to also achieve aesthetic value.

With new tools, new techniques:

As a medical scientific illustrator, I work closely with physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals to develop visualizations that facilitate understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathologies, and medical treatments.

While techniques and tools have evolved significantly, the fundamental goal remains the same: to create visual representations that serve as bridges between science and the viewer. In my case, I use various digital illustration software (vector or raster), always keeping in mind the importance of synthesizing and representing my ideas with pencil on paper (or pen on napkin).

Today, medical scientific illustration combined with graphic design allows us to create diagrams, infographics, and describe complex processes in a clear and accessible way. With new digital tools, they consume fewer resources and less production time. Illustrations can be reproduced in a wide variety of media, both print and digital. They can be easily edited and animated, bringing information to large audiences around the world.

Today, medical scientific illustration continues to play an essential role in education, research, and clinical practice. Like the wax models in their time, contemporary visualizations allow healthcare professionals and the general public to delve into the complexity of the human body and understand the biological processes that govern it.