Beauchene (or "exploded") skulls, made by Ryan Matthew. (From left to right) The first two are human, the third is a baboon, and the fourth is a cat.
Recently, Ryan Matthew, of Science Channel's (and, formerly, Discovery Channel's) Oddities, lauched his own website, Ryan Matthew Oddities. It's definitely worth a look. He's posted pictures of his collection - including his "exploded" skulls, which are like anatomical works of art.
He'll soon have a shop set up on the website, in which you can buy osteological specimens, jewelry, and whatever else he decides to put up for sale. Ryan is very passionate about what he does, and quite professional. So, basically, were you interested in buying a skull or another sort of osteological specimen, I would (strongly) suggest buying it from him.
I feel like talking about the Sedlec Ossuary for no reason, other than for the fact that I love it. It's remarkable - a triumph of art, a perfect example of the relationship between Beauty and Death. (Ironically, it's on my "bucket list.") Some may grow a little faint when they hear that the chapel is decorated with the remains of an estimated 40,000 to 70,000 people. Others want to hop onto the next plane to the Czech Republic.
Top left: A cross made of bones.
Top right: The entrance.
Bottom left: The crest of the Schwarzenberg family, who commissioned the artwork.
Bottom right: A chandelier made of at least one of every bone in the human body.
The artist signs his work.
All of the artwork was created by František Rint, and it was commissioned by the Schwarzenburg family. This was done in 1870; it's one more reason to love the Victorian era.
There's also another reason to love Jan Švankmajer, as he filmed a documentary of the Sedlec Ossuary, which you can watch here:
I'm a little obsessed with that video. I've posted it to my Facebook wall at least twice. It's fantastic.
I also (highly) recommend watching Švankmajer's other videos. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
