Anna Manzolini

Anatomist Anna Manzolini (née Morandi) was married to Giovanni Manzolini, a professor of anatomy at the University of Bologna and an expert in the construction of anatomical models. Anna also became skilled at the sculpting of wax models. When her husband contracted tuberculosis, she received special permission from the university to lecture in his place and was elected professor of anatomy upon his death in 1755. Knowledge of her talent in molding anatomical models spread throughout Europe, gaining the attention of Emperor Joseph II of Austria and Catherine II of Russia. Many of her models have been restored and are now in the Museum of Normal Human Anatomy at the University of Bologna.