Research has always played a central role in the exhibitions at Fondazione Prada — from Human Brains to Recycling Beauty. The latest endeavor follows suit and is an eerie but nonetheless gripping exploration into anatomy, history and art. Made in collaboration with Florence’s La Specola, one of Europe’s oldest science museums, alongside Canadian director and screenwriter David Cronenberg, Anatomical Waxes is a two-part exhibition that seeks to offer new and unexpected interpretations of cultural heritage, by sparking a dialogue between a historical collection and a contemporary figure or institution.

The show comprises of thirteen 18th century wax models from the Florentine museum, as well as 72 anatomical drawings in nine showcases. Amongst the work on view, the so-called “Venus”, a rare ceroplastic model made by 17th century Italian sculptor Gaetano Giulio Zumbo, is arguably the centerpiece of the exhibition and is historically revered for its detachable parts and hyperrealistic take on beauty.