Shaping anatomical theatre’s teaching environment: Antonio Scarpa and the places of anatomy

Purpose Antonio Scarpa (1752–1832) was an Italian anatomist who represented an important junction point between clinical and didactic anatomy and surgery. His discoveries and anatomical illustrations offer valuable insights that have contributed meaningfully to the development of modern medicine and anatomy. By combining his roles as physician, surgeon, and anatomist, he established himself as a respected figure among anatomists and medical specialists of his time. However, Scarpa’s contribution to the development of spaces dedicated to anatomical teaching remains relatively overlooked. This study aims to highlight his influence on the evolution of institutions and environments where anatomy was taught and practised. Methods Through literature review and archival documents, we have obtained original data on the fact that Scarpa has always considered teaching, and its place as a fundamental component for the progress of anatomical sciences and not a marginal aspect. Results We have analysed the history of the places where he studied, taught, and gave an indelible imprint on anatomical theatres, which we inherit today in modern dissecting theatres. From our study, it emerges that Scarpa’s ideas on how to disseminate anatomical knowledge were shaped by his experiences in Padua, Modena, and Pavia, places that played a meaningful role in refining his vision of anatomical education. At the same time, Scarpa himself contributed to transforming these institutions and their anatomical spaces, leaving a lasting mark on how anatomy was practised. Conclusions The present work contributes to the historiography of anatomical education, offering new insights into the relationship between anatomical knowledge and its spatial contexts.