Anna Morandi Manzolini

Who was Anna Morandi Manzolini?

Anna Morandi Manzolini was an Italian lecturer of anatomy and sculptor of anatomical models in wax. She was married to Giovanni Manzolini, a professor of anatomy at the University of Bologna. When her husband became ill with tuberculosis, she received special permission to lecture in his place. She became professor of anatomy upon his death in 1755. Knowledge of her talent in molding anatomical models spread throughout Europe and she was invited to the court of Catherine II of Russia as well as other royal courts.

Manzolini also crafted two portrait busts in wax, both of which are currently on display at the Palazzo Poggi in Bologna. One is a self-portrait, in which she depicts herself at work dissecting a human brain; the other is of her husband, engaged in similar activity.