The Fantastic Anatomy of Raimondo de Sangro, Prince of Sansevero

Abstract

Examining myths and historical sources, the article aims to reconstruct the genesis and purposes of the so-called “anatomical machines” of Raimondo de Sangro, Prince of Sansevero, which are currently housed in the cavea of the Sansevero Chapel in Naples. Legend considers them to be the work of the prince, but they were actually made at different times by Giuseppe Salerno and are an expression of the still little known tradition of Sicilian “scientific crafts”.