Scientific analysis and preservation protocols for tattooed skin specimens from “Luigi Cattaneo” anatomical wax collection

Interest in tattoos has grown significantly due to their cultural, artistic, historical, and anthropological value, representing personal and social expressions that reflect traditions and identities across different cultures. This study examined tattooed skin fragments preserved in the "Luigi Cattaneo" Anatomical Collection (Bologna), recently restored for the exhibition "TATTOO - Tales from the Mediterranean" at the MUDEC Museum in Milan. Non-destructive spectroscopic techniques were employed to characterize the chemical composition of pigments and organic materials, and to assess their preservation state. The results supported the conservation process and enriched the scientific and cultural significance of the collection. This research documents a nearly disappeared cultural practice, offering valuable insights into the moral, social, and religious dimensions of tattooing in 19th-century Italy. The work contributes to understanding tattooing's evolution from a devotional and identity-based practice to a contemporary art form, illuminating a unique aspect of Italian cultural history.