A Space of Their Own

Anna Morandi Manzolini

Selected Works

A half-length wax sculpture portrait of the artist wearing an elaborate gown and jewels. She is looking straight ahead and at the table in front of her, there is human skull with the top part removed to show the folds of the brain inside. She has a slight smile and looks out at the viewer with the confidence of a skilled anatomist.

Self-Portrait

ca. 1740-50
Anna Morandi Manzolini, Self-Portrait, ca. 1740–50. Wax and other materials, including pearls, silk, and wood. Museo di Palazzo Poggi, Bologna.
Museo di Palazzo Poggi, Bologna

An anatomical model of an arm and hand, from the elbow to the fingers. It is standing upright with the fingers pointing up, in a class case. It is a model of the bones, muscles, and ligaments, with no skin or nails.

Muscles of the Forearm

ca. 1745-50
Anna Morandi Manzolini, Muscles of the Forearm, ca. 1745–50. Wax, cloth, and wood. Museo di Palazzo Poggi, Bologna.
Museo di Palazzo Poggi, Bologna

A portrait in relief of a woman’s face, surrounded by a blue head covering or veil. She looks out directly with a slight smile.

Face

ca. 1755
Anna Morandi Manzolini, Face, ca. 1755. Wax, cloth, and wood. Museo di Palazzo Poggi, Bologna.
Museo di Palazzo Poggi, Bologna

Two hands, modeled in relief and resting on top of one another. They are modeled in flesh-colored wax with blue sleeves visible below the wrists.

Hands

ca. 1755
Anna Morandi Manzolini, Hands, ca. 1755. Wax and wood. Museo di Palazzo Poggi, Bologna.
Museo di Palazzo Poggi, Bologna

A wax model figure of a newborn infant alongside the amniotic sac, just after birth. The infant’s abdomen is cut open to expose the organs inside and the connection of the umbilical cord to the sac.

Obstetrical Figure

n.d.
Anna Morandi Manzolini, Obstetrical Figure, n.d. Wax, cloth, and wood. Museo di Palazzo Poggi, Bologna.
Museo di Palazzo Poggi, Bologna

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