Four figures: Geneviève, an albino woman of African descent, with white instead of black skin; the conjoint twins Hélène and Judith; and Maria Herig who had a skin disease. Engraving after J. de Sève, 1777.

Previous title, replaced October 2023 : Four figures: an albino woman of African descent, with white instead of black skin; the Siamese twins Hélène and Judith; and a girl called Maria Herig who had a skin disease. Engraving.

For Hélène and Judith see: C.J.S. Thompson, 'The mystery and lore of monsters', London 1930, pp. 71-72; L. Fiedler, 'Freaks', New York 1978, p. 201; R.D. Altick, 'The shows of London', Cambridge (Mass.) and London 1978, p.37

Geneviève was a young woman from the island of Dominica who was aged about 18 years when examined by Buffon in April 1777. The conjoint twins were Ilona and Judit Gófitz. Maria Herig's skin disease might be identified as multiple fibroma

1 print : etching and engraving ; border 15.6 x 8.7 cm

White negress. p 76. Helen & Judith. p 84. Maria Herig. p 78. "Plate 2" top right

Wellcome Collection 2347i