Of the Eye and of the Hand: Performance in Early Modern Anatomy

Abstract

In early modern Europe, anatomists elaborated theoretical discourses concerning the role of the senses in the acquisition of scientific knowledge. This “sensorial program” gave birth to spaces of public demonstration — anatomy theatres — specifically designed to orchestrate an audience’s attention toward the actions and gestures of anatomy’s scientists. These public performances of scientific knowledge in turn influenced the conception, construction, and uses of the theatrical stage.