Flayed Figure

This strange little sculpture of a flayed man is believed to be a small-scale version of an anatomical model made by Anna Morandi Manzolini, the renowned Bolognese artist, scientist and professor. Her striking anatomically precise wax models of bodies and body parts were coveted by medical professionals throughout Europe. They were also widely copied and collected.


Manzolini had the good fortune of having been born in Bologna, an exceptionally progressive city with a long history of supporting women artists. Her talents were additionally nurtured by her husband, an anatomy professor with whom she closely collaborated.