The dark side of anatomical illustration: should we still be utilising artistic depictions of cadavers from unethical or unknown sources? A UK perspective.

The history of anatomical illustration is deeply entangled with unethical and, at times, illegal practices shaped by the politics of death and bodily autonomy. While anatomical images remain central to education, research, and patient communication, the individuals whose bodies were rendered into these illustrations have rarely been acknowledged. Historically, anatomists relied on bodies from executions, prisons, workhouses, and grave robbing. Legislation such as the Murder Act of 1752 and the Anatomy Act of 1832 disproportionately targeted marginalised populations, many of whom did not consent to dissection, let alone to the creation of enduring visual artefacts. Despite the emergence of ethical body donation programmes in the twentieth century, many foundational anatomical images still used today originate from these coercive contexts. Contemporary UK anatomical practice, governed by the Human Tissue Act, requires explicit consent for dissection and imaging. Yet historical illustrations remain widely circulated, particularly online, often without contextualisation. Some images derive from even more troubling sources, including violence and genocide. This article examines the ethical implications of continued use, highlighting gaps in governance and advocating for contextualisation, diversification, and the development of ethically sourced alternatives. Anatomical illustrations are not neutral diagrams but visual legacies of power; acknowledging their histories supports respectful and inclusive anatomical education.