Collection of Luigi Cattaneo anatomical waxes

The Anatomical Wax Collection “Luigi Cattaneo” in Bologna is one of the most fascinating testimonies of the history of medicine and human anatomy. Located in Via Irnerio, inside a historic building, this collection offers a journey through time showcasing the evolution of medical knowledge from the 18th to the 19th century. The collection is named after Luigi Cattaneo, a renowned anatomist who rediscovered and restored the anatomical waxes damaged during World War II in the 1970s. Cattaneo, a professor of Anatomy at the University of Bologna, played a crucial role in recovering and enhancing these precious historical artifacts, which are now displayed to the public for educational and scientific purposes. The anatomical waxes, mainly created between the 18th and 19th centuries, are extremely detailed models illustrating both the normal morphology of the human body and its pathologies. These models were created to educate medical students and document the scientific discoveries of the time. Among the main creators of these works are artists and scientists such as Clemente Susini, Giuseppe Astorri, and Cesare Bettini, whose works are considered true masterpieces of ceroplastic art. One of the most significant sections of the collection is dedicated to human pathology. Here, visitors can observe models of organs affected by various diseases, anomalies, and congenital malformations. These artifacts provide a detailed overview of the medical knowledge of the time and its evolution. The pathological waxes, besides their high scientific value, also represent an important historical testimony of the challenges faced by doctors in diagnosing and treating diseases. One of the most relevant pieces is the “Susini Wax,” an extremely detailed model of the human body, showing muscles, nerves, and blood vessels with astonishing precision. These waxes not only served educational purposes but were also research tools used to study the human body in the absence of cadavers, which were often difficult to obtain and preserve. An intriguing aspect of the collection is the balance between science and art. The wax models are not only faithful representations of anatomical reality but also works of art that required great skill and attention to detail. The ceroplastic artists had to have a deep knowledge of human anatomy and remarkable technical mastery to create such realistic models. The collection also stands out for the historical importance of its artifacts. During the 18th century, Bologna was a center of excellence for the study of anatomy, thanks to luminaries such as Giovanni Battista Morgagni, considered the father of modern pathology. The anatomical waxes were a fundamental means of disseminating the scientific discoveries of Morgagni and other scholars of the time. A visit to the Anatomical Wax Museum “Luigi Cattaneo” is an immersive experience that offers a unique insight into the history of medicine. Each displayed model tells a story, from the dissection techniques used by past doctors to the innovations that revolutionized the understanding of the human body. In addition to preserving these valuable testimonies, the museum also organizes temporary exhibitions, conferences, and educational workshops, making it a reference point for scientific and cultural dissemination. An interesting anecdote concerns the creation of the waxes during the Napoleonic period. At that time, the University of Bologna was under French influence, and the anatomical waxes were used not only for educational purposes but also for public demonstrations aimed at impressing and instructing foreign visitors, including French officers. This didactic and propagandistic use of the waxes helped consolidate Bologna’s reputation as a center of excellence in medical education.