L’acquisition en France d’une cire anatomique pour Pierre le Grand: autour d’un traité et de ses suites

Abstract

During his second tour of Europe, whose 300th anniversary is celebrated in 2017, Peter I visited Paris. He visited the main landmarks of the city, especially those related to his interest in the natural sciences and technology. For instance, he repeatedly visited the Royal Botanical Garden. There, he became acquainted with the renowned doctor, professor of anatomy, and member of the Paris Academy of Sciences Joseph-Guichard Duverney (1648–1730). He was well known in Europe, had a lot of connections with other scientists, and was famous for his wax anatomical models and ‘anatomical demonstrations’ (public lectures in anatomy). Among others, Duverney communicated with Robert Areskine, a physician of Scottish descent at Peter’s court. Peter ordered an anatomical model for his collection in the Kunstkamera, which proves the interest the tsar had in Duverney’s talents. Areskine represented Peter the Great in the purchase. The anatomical model of a human brain and skull is still kept in the Kunstkamera collection. However, until recently there was no information on how it was made. Referring to a previously unpublished document from the National Archive of France and other French and Russian sources (including archival ones), this article reconstructs the story of the model’s creation and provides new historical data that helps us to understand Peter’s initial idea after meeting Duverney and the changes the project underwent while it was being implemented.