Literature review: Genetic conditions or anomalies in artworks

Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet. 2021 Jun;187(2):111-121. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31886. Epub 2021 May 12.

Abstract

This is a literature review of publications describing artworks that include depictions of individuals with suspected genetic conditions or congenital anomalies. Types of artwork described in the identified papers included drawings, paintings, sculptures, carvings, or pottery. The papers included in this review consisted of general reviews, reviews of depictions of specific conditions, reviews of individual artists who had portrayed subjects with genetic conditions or anomalies, and artwork that generated discussions on possible diagnoses. Papers describing a single work were not included in this review.

Keywords: anomalies in paintings; dysmorphism and art; syndromes in artwork.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Paintings*