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Phrenology, satirical artwork
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Phrenology, satirical artwork
Phrenology. Satirical artwork showing animal-headed researchers measuring human skulls, one of which is labelled. The belief that variations in skull shape can be measured to deduce brain and personality traits is known as phrenology. It was proposed by the German physician Franz Joseph Gall (1758-1828), who published his major work on it in 1819. He called it Schadellehre (doctrine of the skull). This artwork, which dates from the 19th century, is from the German book Die Karikatur und Satire in der Medizin (Caricature and Satire in Medicine, 1921) by the German art historian and physician Eugen Hollander (1867-1932)
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Media ID 6331237
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1921 Animal Head Art History Calipers Caricature Caricaturised Die Karikatur Und Satire In Der Medizin Doctor Eugen Hollander German Heads History Of Medicine Horse Humans Measuring Patient Phrenology Physician Quack Room Satire Satirical Sheep Skeletal Skeletons Skulls Table Franz Joseph Gall Headed Mono Chrome Phrenologist Pseudoscientific
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This print captures a satirical artwork depicting the pseudoscientific practice of phrenology. In this 19th-century illustration, animal-headed researchers can be seen measuring human skulls, with one labeled for identification. Phrenology was a belief proposed by German physician Franz Joseph Gall in the early 19th century, suggesting that variations in skull shape could reveal brain and personality traits. The artist behind this piece is Eugen Hollander, a renowned German art historian and physician. The scene portrayed here showcases the absurdity of phrenology as horse, sheep, and human heads are caricaturized on skeletal bodies being examined on a table. This clever satire challenges the credibility of such practices prevalent during that time period. Published in 1921 as part of Hollander's book "Die Karikatur und Satire in der Medizin" (Caricature and Satire in Medicine), this artwork offers an intriguing glimpse into medical history. It serves as a reminder of how far our understanding has evolved since then. As we observe this thought-provoking image today, it prompts us to reflect upon the progress made within medicine while appreciating the historical context from which these ideas emerged.
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