Animal Skulls, for "Art Anatomy" 1872

Editor: Here we have William Rimmer's "Animal Skulls, for 'Art Anatomy'," a drawing of various skulls. It feels so clinical, like a scientific illustration. What can you tell me about its cultural context? Curator: Rimmer's artistic exploration of anatomy reflects the 19th-century's fascination with scientific observation. Consider how this pursuit of anatomical precision was also fueled by evolving social anxieties around race and the pseudo-science of phrenology. How might those ideas influence the role of art? Editor: So, this drawing wasn't just about pure science; it also existed within a charged social environment. I never considered how those biases might influence even what seems like an objective study. Curator: Precisely! By examining the broader social and political implications, we gain deeper insights into the creation and reception of art, and how it plays a role in society.