The article discusses the exhibition 'Beneath the Sheets: Anatomy, Art and Power' that delves into the history of anatomical art, revealing how the representations of anatomy are intertwined not only with medical knowledge but also with societal power dynamics. The exhibition uncovers centuries of surgical illustrations, highlighting which bodies were depicted, who controlled those representations, and what these images reveal about the society in which they were created.

The exhibition features a range of works from the beautifully intricate drawings of 19th-century artist Joseph Maclise to marginalized figures that were objectified, erased, or silenced in the history of science and art. It prompts viewers to reconsider the human stories behind anatomical representations, drawing attention to the individuals whose bodies were often used without consent, reflecting a darker history of how anatomical knowledge has been visually expressed.

Through revealing the darker aspects of anatomical drawings, the exhibition emphasizes the power structures embedded within medical illustration. It provokes critical questions about the ethical implications of representing human bodies in art and science, urging society to acknowledge and confront the disturbing histories that shape our current understanding of anatomy, art, and authority.