Abstract
The observation of the nails represented in art masterpieces encourages to catch details which allow us to suspect skin disorders of the past, still commonly encountered in our daily clinical activity. Nails are cutaneous annexes reflecting the state of health and unveiling, through their alterations, the presence of specific systemic and cutaneous diseases, as well as the damage which environmental factors and some cosmetic procedures may cause. In the works of visual arts, there are several examples of nail alterations, either related to the job of the models illustrated by the artist (e.g., traumas from heavy activity) or representing signs of concomitant diseases. The works of art also allow to outline a sort of history of nails and of the social meaning nails have been given to and at the same time, they show biological and pathological aspects of human beings and their health, social and religious characteristics. The careful analysis of the nails in the masterpieces of visual art may improve our observational skills and create a direct relationship with the subject that has been portrayed. The manuscript is focused on the main nail alteration decoration which can be observed in the history of art.
Published Version
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