Compelling and alluring, this disquieting volume presents a host of deftly crafted dissectable female wax models and "slashed beauties" created to demonstrate anatomy in museums and fairgrounds around the world in the 18th and 19th centuries....
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No loan of volumes, only paper copies will be sent
Compelling and alluring, this disquieting volume presents a host of deftly crafted dissectable female wax models and "slashed beauties" created to demonstrate anatomy in museums and fairgrounds around the world in the 18th and 19th centuries. Incisive commentary reveals the evolution of these enigmatic and sensual sculptures from the death masks, wax effigies and votive offerings of the Renaissance, and later to artist's muse, erotic fetish and the embodiment of the uncanny
Includes bibliographical references (pages 218-219) and index
Introduction: Unveiling an anatomical enigma -- The birth of the Anatomical Venus -- From sacred to scientific use of wax -- Venus at the fairground -- Ecstasy, fetishism, and doll worship -- Venus, the uncanny, and the ghost in the machine
