(Vienna, 11 March 2025) Ferdinand von Hebra's Atlas of Skin Diseases traces the beginnings of dermatology in impressive skin images. Published from 1856 onwards, the atlas with over 100 clinical pictures is considered to be the central plate work in the history of dermatology and a masterpiece of medical illustration. Ferdinand Hebra's atlas From March 19, will be on display as part of a special exhibition in the context of its time with still current clinical pictures and medical-historical objects.
The skin envelops us - firm, soft, shaping and protective. It is our boundary to the outside world, makes us visible and social beings. Despite its central importance, the skin was long regarded in medicine only as a projection surface for internal disease processes. Symptoms such as redness, pustules or spots were merely regarded as external manifestations of internal ailments. It was not until the mid-19th century that the Viennese physician Ferdinand Hebra (1816-1880) recognized the skin as an independent organ with specific diseases. He documented skin diseases with systematic precision and laid with his "Atlas of Skin Diseases" (the foundation for modern dermatology between 1856 and 1876). His work at the General Hospital in Vienna revolutionized diagnostics and therapy and established Vienna as a center of dermatological research.written
The exhibition takes visitors into Hebra's "Clinicum" and shows detailed portraits of patients as well as plastic wax impressions, so-called moulages. It links Hebra's pioneering work with modern Viennese dermatology and illustrates its enduring importance. The skin is not only viewed as an object of medical examination, but also as a mirror of our lives, marked by environment, illness, age and emotion.
"The historical images of skin diseases are a clear testimony to the enormous achievements of modern medicine," says Christiane Druml, Director of the Josephinum, "because although most of the diseases still today, or exist exist , their manifestations no longer visible thanks to medication or other effective therapiesagainare."
Contemporary art is an essential part of every exhibition at the Josephinum. This time, Markus Schinwald with his artistic intervention, which is "trend-setting" in the truest sense of the word.introduces the special exhibition
Special exhibition Skin. Ferdinand Hebra and his atlas of skin diseases
(1856-1876)
Exhibition duration: March 19 - October 4, 2025
Curator: Thomas Schnalke, Berlin Museum of Medical History of the Charité
Scientific advice: Beatrix Volc-Platzer, Society of Physicians in Vienna
Josephinum - Museum of Medical History Vienna
Währinger Straße 25, 1090 Vienna; www.josephinum.ac.at
Opening hours Wed-Sat, 10.00-18.00, Thu, 10.00-20.00
Fixed tour: Thursdays 6.30 pm, Saturdays 11.00 am