From Chopin to Neil Armstrong: The Medical Analysis of Historical Hand Casts as a Tool for Diagnosing Causes of Death

Abstract

This article delves into the fascinating intersection of art and medicine through the post-mortem analysis of Chopin's left-hand plaster cast, illustrating the unique value of such artifacts in uncovering medical conditions and exploring the causes of death in historical figures. Much like the practice of iconodiagnosis—where the study of artwork, particularly paintings, is used to infer medical conditions in depicted individuals—the examination of hand casts offers a distinctive and valuable perspective on human pathology in historical contexts. These physical artifacts, preserved across centuries, provide unexpected clinical insights, especially for periods predating photographic documentation or modern diagnostic tools. By bridging the gap between artistic representation and medical investigation, the study of plaster casts not only sheds light on the health of prominent figures but also underscores the interdisciplinary potential of combining art history with medical science.

Keywords: art, iconodiagnosis, museum, tuberculosis, ulnar nerve, hand cast