The human body enables the activities we undertake. The early Renaissance spearheaded this outlook of the human body in relation to art. Vivid artistic illustrations of the human body and anatomical description promoted scientific understanding amongst doctors of the time (Saenger). In this way, anatomy and dissection managed the connection between art and science. Literary books also delved into the inner working of anatomy as seen in Gray’s Anatomy. More so, the interrelation of medicine and technology can be recognized in the tools used to achieve medical diagnosis and advancements (i.e. X-rays, etc).
Leonardo da Vinci, Anatomical studies of the shoulder, c 1510.
Withal, this connection was also implemented in the lives and practices of Ancient Egyptians. Personally I find this enriching, and even so relatable, since I am Egyptian. Based on my knowledge, mummification was used to preserve the dead for the afterlife in Ancient Egypt; this sacred practice was done for religious purposes on affluent individuals while sustaining elements of art as well as being illustrated through hieroglyphics. This idealism towards the physicalities of the human body is achieved through their spiritual callings and in turn art. Additionally, mummification dissected the bodies of its individuals through the removal or extraction of organs which plays into the science of anatomy and is even reminiscent of the early implementations of cadavers.
A scene of embalming in Ancient Egypt
Not only that, but the inner workings of plastic surgery are particularly intriguing to me. Plastic surgeons are essentially the artists of medicine. Although, despite the stereotypical beliefs of today, these practices in its core did not originate from superficial and vain proceedings and a desire for beautification. This form of medicine was used as a result of war and the injuries one can sustain from it. Weaponization made it necessary for medicine and science to delve into the art of plastic surgery and facial reconstruction. This form of work also proceeds into helping amputees through the use of bionic limbs - which goes into elements of machinery and robotism through science and medicine. Plastic surgery further pertains to science through the ability to perform gender affirmation surgeries; surgeries as such aid in self identification and the needs of the trans community. As Ingber states in this week’s reading, there is a universal pattern in the way that proteins are organized through hierarchical structures which is quintessential to the understanding of the human body in relation to medicine, art, and technology.
Plastic Surgery
I mostly reviewed Professor Vesna’s lecture material; I found that this influenced my understanding of this week’s topic the most.
References: 8 Total (5 Sources + 3 Images)
Broomhall, S., & Marusic, I. (2019). Leonardo da Vinci, Anatomical studies of the shoulder, c 1510. The Conversation. The University of Melbourne and University of Western Australia. Retrieved April 22, 2022, from https://theconversation.com/leonardo-da-vinci-revisited-how-a-15th-century-artist-dissected-the-human-machine-112399.
Edgar, J. (2021). Plastic Surgery Fails: Telltale Signs of Facelifts, Eyelid Lifts, and Nose Jobs. realself.com. Retrieved April 22, 2022, from https://www.realself.com/news/plastic-surgery-fails.
Garlinghouse, T. (2020, July 15). Mummification: The lost art of embalming the dead. LiveScience. Retrieved April 22, 2022, from https://www.livescience.com/mummification.html
Ingber, D. E. (1998, January). The Architecture of Life. Scientific American.
Saenger, P. (2022, February 18). The Human Body Laid Bare in Art. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved April 22, 2022, from https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-human-body-laid-bare-in-art-11645220335
Staff, E. T. (2021). A scene of embalming in Ancient Egypt. Egypttoday. ClicksEgypt. Retrieved April 22, 2022, from https://www.egypttoday.com/Tag/98047/Embalming-In-Ancient-Egypt.
Vesna, V. (2022, April). Human Body + Medical Technologies. Lecture Part 1. Los Angeles; Canvas.
Vesna, V. (2022, April). Human Body + Medical Technologies. Lecture Part 3. Los Angeles; Canvas.
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