Johann Anderla, Anatomical Study of Muscles of the Torso & Pelvis, 1888, Watercolor

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An original 1888 watercolour painting – Johann Anderla, Anatomical Study of Muscles of the Torso & Pelvis. A fine sheet … Read more An original 1888 watercolour painting – Johann Anderla, Anatomical Study of Muscles of the Torso & Pelvis. A fine sheet of meticulously executed anatomical studies by Hans Anderla, drawn in Vienna in 1888. The studies are labelled in German and are titled 'Muskeln des Torso und des Beckens' (Muscles of the Torso and Pelvis). Inscriptions on the verso indicate that they are drawn from a model from life ('zur Natür'). Johann, or Hans, Anderla was possibly associated with the prestigious Medical University of Vienna. The University was celebrated for having one of the world's largest anatomical wax model collections, which were commissioned by Emperor Joseph II between 1784 and 1786 and crafted by Florence masters. Just under 1,200 elaborately finished anatomical wax models were transported on pack donkeys from Florence to Vienna, to be used for training purposes at the medical-surgical military academy. The models were displayed in ornate Venetian hand-blown glass cases, which could be opened by students. Accompanying the models were coloured drawings mounted on the walls above, while explanatory sheets in three languages—Latin, Italian and German—were stored in drawers below. Anatomical models and drawings have long played a significant role in the spreading of medical knowledge, and hold a historically important place at the intersection of art and science. Another anatomical drawing by Johann Anderla, dated 1885, auctioned in Germany in 2021. Drawn in watercolour with pen and ink on cream card. See less