A Woman in the Dissection Room
In 18th-century Bologna, Anna Morandi stood in her home laboratory, skillfully dissecting human cadavers. Wearing a long cowl to protect against decay, she meticulously prepared bones for anatomical wax models. Her expertise in both anatomy and sculpture earned her recognition from scholars and even the Pope.
A Unique Scientific Partnership
Morandi and her husband, Giovanni Manzolini, worked together to create detailed anatomical models. Unlike other husband-wife scientific teams, she was the public face of their work, teaching students and demonstrating dissections. She even declined an invitation from Empress Catherine the Great to join her court.
Breaking Boundaries in Anatomy
She specialized in the mechanisms of sensory experience and the male reproductive system, challenging existing medical knowledge. Her meticulous studies led her to correct misconceptions about eye muscles. Some male anatomists, threatened by her success, dismissed her work due to her gender.
A Self-Portrait as Defiance
Despite international recognition, Morandi faced financial struggles and historical erasure. In her self-portrait, she dissected a human brain, challenging gender norms. She cast her husband with a hand on a human heart, reversing traditional gender roles in scientific thought.
In 18th-century Bologna, Anna Morandi worked in her lab, dissecting cadavers with precision. Wearing a long cowl to protect against decay, she prepared bones for wax models. Her expertise in anatomy and sculpture earned her recognition from scholars and even the Pope.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/nMk135NBoS
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) February 14, 2025