Celebrating the Human Body's Timeless Splendor: An Awe-Inspiring Journey Through the Ages
The Museum of Medicine and Art, nestled within the historic walls of the Royal College, reopened its doors on May 28, 2023. Among the treasures on display is a fascinating set of anatomical panels, known as the Evelyn panels, that have been meticulously preserved for centuries.
These pinewood panels, approximately two meters by seventy centimeters, were first encountered in the 18th century. They were part of Sir John Hunter's collection and were casually placed at the entrance. The polyptych, composed of four vertical panels, features anthropomorphic figures resembling comical little men standing up. Each panel depicts a specific part of the human body, from the spine and nerves to the distribution of veins, the aorta and arteries, and even the vagus nerve with the sympathetic nerves, isolated lungs, and liver.
The Evelyn panels, named after their creator, Alfred Evelyn, are considered among the oldest surviving anatomical teaching aids of their kind. Evelyn, an 18th-century anatomist and artist, created these panels for medical and educational purposes during a time when medical education was developing anatomically detailed models for teaching.
The panels' history and significance extend beyond their artistic detail and durability. They serve as a bridge between art and medicine, a testament to a time when the two disciplines were closely intertwined. The panels are preserved as part of collections in European medical museums or anatomical collections.
Before their current home at the Royal College, the Evelyn panels had a rich history. They were purchased by the British Museum in 1781 and remained there until 1809, when they found a permanent place in the Royal College's collection.
Today, the panels are displayed under glass, protected and admired by visitors. The museum's reopening has provided a new opportunity for the public to marvel at these historical artifacts and gain a deeper understanding of the intersection of art and medicine in the 18th century.
As the museum continues to unveil its treasures, it serves as a reminder of the rich history and cultural significance of the Royal College and its collections. For those interested in learning more about the Evelyn panels, specialized historical anatomy or medical museum archives would be a valuable resource.
- The Evelyn panels, a testament to the close relationship between art and medicine in the 18th century, are now displayed at the Museum of Medicine and Art, serving as an educational resource in the field of health and wellness.
- The intersection of science, technology, and art is vividly demonstrated by the Evelyn panels, artificial-intelligence models being developed in today's medical-conditions research being reminiscent of Evelyn's innovative anatomical teaching tools.
- The reopening of the Museum of Medicine and Art has sparked renewed interest in the history of medical education, as evidenced by the increase in tech-savvy visitors, exploring the gallery's treasures, including the meticulously preserved Evelyn panels, on digital platforms.
