Rudolf Virchow Sammlung
– Medical Illustrations
Anatomical precision meets ethical documentation
Project Summary
During my acquaintance provenance research, I was granted access to the Rudolf Virchow skull collection at the Rudolf Virchow collection. I created an anatomically accurate skull worksheet, used to later draw in post-mortem damage used by conservators and researchers to understand the object history. The drawings served scientific and educational purposes; no photographs of sensitive specimens were included to respect the integrity of the objects.
Client
The Berlin Medical History Museum (Berliner Medizinhistorisches Museum), including the Rudolf Virchow collection, is a major scientific collection holding patho‐anatomical specimens and models, documenting medical history over 300+ years.
Due to the sensitive nature of the topic,
I will not disclose any images of the model worksheet in use.
My Role & Contribution
Made an anatomically accurate skull drawing including observed postmortem damage
Ensured scientific correctness and visual clarity in drawing
Managed sensitivity of subject, respecting conservation and ethical considerations
What I Learned
I learned medical/anatomical accuracy in illustration, how to thoughtfully handle sensitive historical and biological materials, and how to visually document details (damage, condition) in a respectful, educational way. I also improved research and observation skills under those ethical constraints.