Wednesday, January 19, 2011

MORTAL

I have done a number of weddings at the College of Physicians over the years. I have been aware of the Mutter museum because of this, and various shows on interesting science cable channels. Since I could never talk one of my brides into posing in front of an eight foot skeleton, or a 45 pound colon, I simply put it on my to do (if it falls in my lap) list. Well, my son's class went on a trip there today, and I was chosen as one of the lucky chaperones. I don't know what it is about things like this that fascinate me. I think it is the same kind of thing that draws me to really old photographs, and discarded items like those in my basement. I think it is more than that kind of fascination that causes a gawker delay at a car accident on the expressway, or a freak show at a circus. I think there is more respect in my fascination. Like the items in my basement, I look at these specimens with a deep thought of the story behind them. The items floating in liquids, moderately preserving them are the most interesting to me. Why, I have no idea. I guess it is just the artistic presentation..... The skull collection is pretty fabulous as well, but they are such a common thing to see through media, etc., they are not as disturbing. This collection of skulls struck me because the person that collected them kept a detailed record of who each of these belonged to in life. It really hit me that this was once a living, breathing, thinking person.......and then there is this poor little guy.....Oh yeah, Just a note. You are not allowed to take pictures at the Mutter Museum. I was lucky enough to get these few shots in before being reprimanded by a man in uniform.

4 comments:

Taylor Horne said...

Absolutely incredible. I love it.

Anonymous said...

mutter museum is wild!

Carol Ann Weaver said...

Too cool! You would have to REALLY have the gift of persuasion to get a bride to pose in front of a colon or skeleton! LOL!

nikki said...

It's always better to ask forgiveness than permission, right? Looks like a great place to shoot!