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This paper arose from exhibitions in Oxford and Dublin and comprises three experiments which look at the relationship between anatomy and art. In the first experiment, a passport photograph, photographic portrait and portrait in oils, all of the same sitter, show how artistic input transforms anatomy from a mere likeness into works of art. In the second, the reverse is true, as computer techniques render idealized old master images anatomically accurate. The third experiment addresses the biomechanical consequences of anatomical variation and shows that vehicular design is based on mean body shapes, and so it is the average, rather than the idealized, form that is safer in a collision.

Original publication

DOI

10.1111/joa.12954

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Anat

Publication Date

05/2019

Volume

234

Pages

577 - 582

Keywords

anatomical accuracy, art & anatomy, transformation