Philippe Curtius

Curtius used his skill in wax modelling to illustrate anatomy as a physician, and sometimes for the entertainment of visitors.

Curtius created beautiful anatomical wax models that were admired by the Prince de Conti.

In 1765, Curtius was persuaded to give up his medical career and move to Paris, where he could practice wax modelling as a fine art, starting work to set up a cabinet de cire (wax exhibition).

[1] In that year he made a waxwork of Jeanne Bécu, who would later become Marie Jean du Barry, Louis XV's mistress.

[2] He opened a second location on Boulevard du Temple in 1782, the Caverne des Grands Voleurs, a precursor to the later Chamber of Horrors.