"Investigating the wonders of the human face and body, Spectacular Bodies: The Art and Science of the Human Body from Leonardo to Now comprises an array of treasures from the worlds of art and science. Works of art spanning five centuries are considered in an unexpected context, alongside ancient medical books and instruments, and detailed life-size anatomical wax models. Artworks include anatomical drawings by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Durer and Stubbs; a unique group of 17th- and 18th-century portraits of Dutch surgeons at work; and masterpieces by Rembrandt, Gericault, Courbet, Degas and Frith." "Photography, sculpture, video and installations by eight contemporary artists, including Christine Borland, Tony Oursler, Marc Quinn and Bill Viola, provide new perspectives on the subject. Focusing on a variety of issues raised by the historical material, the contemporary works provide alternative ways of thinking about our relationship with science and medicine." "Illustrated and with essays by Martin Kemp, Spectacular Bodies reveals a new way of seeing ourselves."--Jacket.