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Doe And Hope
Tel07729 213013Please quote Antiques Atlas.
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Non UK callers :
+44 7729 213013
Macabre 19thC Plaster Human Skull
In original condition, with no cracks or repairs, the life size human skull used for phrenological and medical study is cast in plaster.
Based on the idea that as the skull takes its shape from the brain, the surface of the skull can be read as an index of psychological aptitudes and tendencies, skulls such as this were part of the jigsaw of Victorian medical study. The skull would have also been used to study the teeth and structural idiosyncrasies of the human form.
Derived from the theories of the idiosyncratic Viennese physician Franz Joseph Gall (1758-1828), phrenology was a faculty psychology, theory of brain and science of character reading, and what the nineteenth century phrenologists called "the only true science of mind”.
So it was believed that by examining the shape and unevenness of a head or skull, one could discover the development of the particular cerebral ‘organs’ responsible for different intellectual aptitudes and character traits. For example, a prominent protuberance in the forehead at the position attributed to the organ of Benevolence was meant to indicate that the individual had a "well developed" organ of Benevolence and would therefore be expected to exhibit benevolent behaviour.
Unlike more modern resin copies, this skull has a wonderful patina and weight, and its surface, one feels, is forever trying to tell a story. Thus, it remains an item that very rarely comes up for sale and is such hugely desirable for collectors, folk interested in medicine, or simply for those that crave an authentic gothic, decorative or filmic effect.
NB This skull came from the same estate as that of the 19thC Medical Cabinet
SellerDoe And Hope
View all stock from
Doe And Hope
Private dealer, By appointment only
The Onion Barn, Shoe Cottage,
15 High Street, Blunham,
Bedfordshire, MK44 3NL.
MK44 3NL
Tel : 07729 213013
Non UK callers : +44 7729 213013
Get directions to Doe And Hope
Based on the idea that as the skull takes its shape from the brain, the surface of the skull can be read as an index of psychological aptitudes and tendencies, skulls such as this were part of the jigsaw of Victorian medical study. The skull would have also been used to study the teeth and structural idiosyncrasies of the human form.
Derived from the theories of the idiosyncratic Viennese physician Franz Joseph Gall (1758-1828), phrenology was a faculty psychology, theory of brain and science of character reading, and what the nineteenth century phrenologists called "the only true science of mind”.
So it was believed that by examining the shape and unevenness of a head or skull, one could discover the development of the particular cerebral ‘organs’ responsible for different intellectual aptitudes and character traits. For example, a prominent protuberance in the forehead at the position attributed to the organ of Benevolence was meant to indicate that the individual had a "well developed" organ of Benevolence and would therefore be expected to exhibit benevolent behaviour.
Unlike more modern resin copies, this skull has a wonderful patina and weight, and its surface, one feels, is forever trying to tell a story. Thus, it remains an item that very rarely comes up for sale and is such hugely desirable for collectors, folk interested in medicine, or simply for those that crave an authentic gothic, decorative or filmic effect.
NB This skull came from the same estate as that of the 19thC Medical Cabinet
Price The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 16/MAR/2026. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Phone or visit the website to buy, Free UK shipping.
DimensionsCircumference 17.75 inches
Date c.1890
Late Victorian Antiques Material Plaster
Origin British
Condition Very Good.
Item code as155a289
Status Sold
£290.00 
$385.76 
€335.82 
$
€
Conversion rates as of 16/MAR/2026. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Phone or visit the website to buy, Free UK shipping.
View all stock from
Doe And Hope
Private dealer, By appointment onlyThe Onion Barn, Shoe Cottage,
15 High Street, Blunham,
Bedfordshire, MK44 3NL.
MK44 3NL
Tel : 07729 213013
Non UK callers : +44 7729 213013
Get directions to Doe And Hope
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