Imaging the body - Tattoo on human skin

The urge to image the human body has always been driven by a complex set of intentions.

Skin taken from an executed criminal, France, 1850-1900

Wellcome Collection

Tattooing is one of the oldest forms of body art. In the 19th century, many French sailors returned from voyages in the South Pacific with elaborate tattoos. In 1861, Maurice Berchon, a French naval surgeon, published a study on tattooing and its subsequent medical complications. As a result, the Navy and Army attempted to ban tattooing within their ranks.

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From Wellcome Images

Tattoo on human skin

Skin taken from an executed criminal, France, 1850-1900

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