Male ivory anatomical figure, Germany, 1601-1800

Ivory anatomical figure, male, several internal organs removable, lying on couch, possibly German, 17th or 18th century

Inside this ivory male anatomical figure are individually carved organs, including the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. The bladder is represented by moonstone.

Popular in the 1600s and 1700s, ivory anatomical figures normally came in male and female pairs; female examples were almost always shown as pregnant. The organs are not very detailed so it is unlikely that the model was made for medical teaching. The figures were possibly used to teach young couples about anatomy and pregnancy or it may have been a collector’s item.