Female ivory anatomical figure, Europe, undated Female ivory
anatomical figures of this type were popular in the 1600 and
1700s, and were almost always shown as pregnant. In this example
the foetus, which is ready to be born, is shown with an
umbilical cord made from red thread. The lungs, heart, liver and
kidneys are also visible. The lead seal around the neck may have
been added by the maker. Such ivory anatomical figures normally
came in male and female pairs. The organs are not very detailed
so it is unlikely that the model was used for medical teaching.
The figure was possibly made to teach young couples about
anatomy and pregnancy or it may have been a collector’s item.
Related Themes and Topics There are 535 related objects. View
all related objects Glossary: anatomical figure Highly detailed
models of the full human figure for artists, teachers and
medical practitioners. The condition of having a developing
unborn embryo or foetus in the body. A human pregnancy is
usually of 40 weeks gestation. A bran