What is the significance of Joseph Maclise's anatomical drawings?

Maclise's drawings are significant for their detailed depiction of human anatomy, including rare representations of black bodies and explorations of queer desire, which were unusual for the Victorian era.

Why was Joseph Maclise's Surgical Anatomy censored in the US?

The US edition of Maclise's atlas omitted an image of a black man due to racial prejudice and segregationist attitudes prevalent in the lead-up to the American Civil War.

Where can I see the work of Joseph Maclise in an exhibition?

Joseph Maclise's work is currently featured in the 'Beneath the Sheets: Anatomy, Art and Power' exhibition at the Thackray Museum of Medicine in Leeds.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Victorian Art: Black Bodies & Queer Desire Revealed

Victorian Art: Black Bodies & Queer Desire Revealed

9 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Anatomical drawings of black bodies from Victorian era are rare.
Surgeon Joseph Maclise's work explored queer desire and black bodies.
Maclise's anatomical atlas was censored in the US due to prejudice.

Victorian Art: Black Bodies & Queer Desire Revealed

The Thackray Museum of Medicine in Leeds is showcasing the striking work of Joseph Maclise, a surgeon and artist of the Victorian era. His exhibition, 'Beneath the Sheets: Anatomy, Art and Power,' features his significant contributions to anatomical illustration, notably his 1851 atlas, Surgical Anatomy. This work distinguished itself by centering black bodies and exploring themes of queer desire, a rarity for its time.

Maclise's approach involved meticulous detail, often including elements like scars, piercings, and genitalia, which has led to speculation about his sexuality and the potential for his drawings to be interpreted as erotica. These unique elements, combined with his use of living models and cadavers, created anatomical studies that were both scientifically precise and aesthetically captivating, though an image of a black man was controversially omitted from the US edition of his atlas.