Ferdinand Hebra: Pioneer of dermatology celebrated at the Josephinum!
Discover the special exhibition about Ferdinand Hebra's Atlas of Skin Diseases at the Josephinum, Vienna. Experience medical pioneering work.
Ferdinand Hebra: Pioneer of dermatology celebrated at the Josephinum!
A significant event in the world of medicine is approaching: On March 19, 2025, the new special exhibition at the Josephinum in Vienna will open its doors. This exhibition is dedicated to the impressive work of Ferdinand von Hebra, a pioneer of dermatology, and his important “Atlas of Skin Diseases”, which was created between 1856 and 1876. This work is considered one of the central table works and revolutionized the foundations of modern dermatology by viewing the skin not just as an outer covering, but as an independent organ with specific diseases, as the APA OTS article explains.
As part of the exhibition, not only the original illustrations from Hebra's Atlas will be on display, but also fascinating plastic wax casts, so-called moulages, which impressively represent the medical knowledge of his time. Christiane Druml, director of the Josephinum, underlines the importance of these historical representations for today's medicine and emphasizes that many diseases still exist, but their symptoms have often become invisible thanks to modern therapies. This shows how medicine has evolved over the years while recognizing the achievements of Hebra's work, as can be read in the Josephinum.ac.at report.
Art meets medicine
In addition, the exhibition is accompanied by contemporary art, which brings an innovative perspective on the topics of skin and its meaning through the artist Markus Schinwald. This combination of historical medicine and modern art creates a unique experience for visitors. The organizers expect this exhibition to attract not only medical professionals, but also art lovers and those interested in learning more about the connection between art and science.
The exhibition "Skin. Ferdinand Hebra and his Atlas of Skin Diseases" can be seen in the Josephinum from March 19 to October 4, 2025. Accompanying the opening, a press tour will take place on March 18th, to which media representatives are invited to gain insights into Hebra's revolutionary work and its impact on dermatology. Registrations for the press tour are already possible.