Life drawing and cadavers: should medical and art students collaborate more often?

Medicine and art: two radically different fields in both practice and perspective, that unexpectedly
intersect in the study of the human body. To the medical student, anatomy offers the foundation to
clinical understanding – allowing the diagnosis of illness and the performance of procedures. To the
art student, anatomy offers insight into the proportions and structures of the human body, enabling
them to provide a certain depth to their pieces through the quiet charm of realism.

There have been many instances in history where a student of both disciplines was able to bridge the
gap, perhaps most famously Leonardo da Vinci and his dissection of cadavers. In a time where
dissection was restricted to medical universities, his research provided some of the most detailed anatomical drawings and advanced understanding of human physiology of his time.

Arguably, it was precisely his artistic background that enabled his contribution. His observation skills
allowed him to notice minute differences in form as well as his craftmanship skills which allowed
his findings to be conveyed with more clarity to the scientific community. Similarly, the artistic
community was also able to benefit from the myriads of arts that da Vinci had produced from his
studies in movement, form and expression.

Today, cadaveric dissections are still generally confined to medical institutions with art students
typically having little to no exposure. There are valid concerns that the introduction of art students to
dissection halls may diminish the solemnity of cadaveric study, especially as donors must be treated
with the respect that they deserve. Additionally, there are also other logistical barriers that art
students may face such as confidentiality rules, safety regulations, and differing academic goals that
may hinder their access.

Despite the challenges, it may be worth considering the potential benefits of reviving the
interdisciplinary spirit between the two fields. In an attempt to enrich both students’ learning and
perhaps serve as a reminder that underneath all those bones, muscles, lines and contours, is a human
being with a story worth telling, regardless of the font or format they may express themselves with.