Josephinum Presents: Skin – Ferdinand Hebra's Atlas of Skin Diseases Exhibition (1856-1876)

This exhibition delves into the significance of the skin as an independent organ, a concept pioneered by Viennese doctor Ferdinand Hebra in the mid-19th century. It showcases his meticulous documentation of skin diseases through patient portraits and wax casts, highlighting the development of scientific dermatology.

The exhibition "Skin: Ferdinand Hebra and his atlas of skin diseases (1856 - 1876)" takes place in Hebra's "Clinicum" and examines the skin's multifaceted role as a protective, shaping, and connective organ. Historically, the skin was often viewed merely as a surface for internal ailments, but Ferdinand Hebra (1816–1880) revolutionized medical understanding in the mid-19th century by establishing it as an independent organ. His systematic documentation of skin diseases culminated in the "Atlas of Skin Diseases" (1856–1876), laying the foundation for scientific dermatology. The exhibition features detailed patient portraits and impressive wax casts, known as moulages, to illustrate Hebra's pioneering research. It contextualizes his crucial contributions within the broader development of Viennese dermatology and underscores its lasting significance to the present day. The exhibition offers a profound look at the skin as a mirror of our lives, curated by Thomas Schnalke with scientific advice from Beatrix Volc-Platzer, and includes a "groundbreaking intervention" by Markus Schinwald.