The Sculptor Cristóbal Garrigó de Nis (1800–1863) and the Anatomical Cabinet of the Royal Veterinary School in Madrid

Abstract

The aim of this article is to disseminate the scientific and artistic contribution made by Cristóbal Garrigó de Nis (1800–1863). A professor of veterinary medicine, his career as an anatomical sculptor has left us one of the most unique ceroplastic collections in Spain. It currently forms part of the Complutense Veterinary Museum (Madrid). This article presents previously unpublished data about his personal life and professional activity that was gathered from primary sources – archives and the press – of the era. This has allowed us to reconstruct his life story, find out more about his dual training and understand the reasons that led him to create the teaching models for the anatomical cabinet of the Royal Veterinary School in Madrid. Of special interest are his main contributions to the manufacture of these anatomical pieces and specifically his invention of his own papier-mâché paste in 1848.