QUEER ANATOMIES

In centuries past sexual body parts and same sex desire were unmentionables debarred from polite conversation and printed discourse Yet one scientific discipline anatomy had license to represent and narrate the intimate details of the human body anus and genitals included Figured within the frame of an anatomical plate presentations of dissected bodies and body parts were often soberly technical But just as often monstrous provocative flirtatious theatrical beautiful and even sensual Queer Anatomies explores overlooked examples of erotic expression within 18th and 19th century anatomical imagery It uncovers the subtle eroticism of certain anatomical illustrations and the queerness of the men who made used and collected them As a foundational subject for physicians surgeons and artists in 18th and 19th century Europe anatomy was a privileged male dominated domain Artistic and medical competence depended on a deep knowledge of anatomy and offered cultural legitimacy healing authority and aesthetic discernment to those who practiced it The anatomical image could serve as a virtual queer space a private or shared closet or a men s club Serious anatomical subjects were charged with erotic often homoerotic undertones Taking brilliant works by Gau