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Creative taxidermy

and other uses for mortal remains

Here are some links to creative uses of mortal remains:


See the dioramas of 17th century Dutch anatomist Frederik Ruysch in an online exhibit at the Zymoglyphic Museum

The pioneering preservation work of the 18th century French anatomist Honore Fragonard was basically scientific in nature, but he also was creative enough that his work is very expressive. His work can be seen today in his museum in Paris.


The "expressive anatomy" tradition continues in the work of German scientist/showman Gunther von Hagen in his Body Worlds exhibition.

While you are in Paris, you can also take a tour of catacombs.

More artistic is the Sedlec Ossuary in the Czech Republic

"Humanoids of the Deep!" For more on mermaids and mermen, see the Roadside America mermen page


Dressing up stuffed animals as people was popular in Victorian times. The most famous practitioner of this craft was English taxidermist Walter Potter.

A Case of Curiosities features the work of Hermann Ploucquet and other anthropomorphic taxidermy practitioners


The tradition continues today in the work of Jeanie M., whose work can be seen at mouseangel.com

Jackalopes are a historic symbol of the American West


Although it turns out that horned rabbits are not so farfetched after all...


...and they might be related to the wolpertingers of Bavaria...


Modern chimeras can be found at Sarina Brewer's Custom Creature Taxidermy shop and with the rest of the gang at the Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists

Taxidermy becomes art as well as craft in the avowedly non-whimsical work of Tia Resleure. Her Victorian card receiver, shown here, is now in the permanent collection of the Zymoglyphic Museum.

See also: http://community.livejournal.com/darkvictoria/548497.html http://community.livejournal.com/darkvictoria/548852.html http://www.wurzeltod.ch/?p=357 Gordon ritter's collection in edinburgh - http://heritage.scotsman.com/myths.cfm?id=555282006 ^M