Xerosis cutis and wounded skin in modern art: Two works by Alberto Burri

The human skin has been a subject of medicine and art. The interest in the interaction of skin and the inner body had increased after the establishment of anatomy as a science long before dermatology was acknowledged as a medical discipline. In painting the body surface, the Inkarnat (flesh tone) represents a mixture of the superficial epidermis and dermis, plus the deeper musculature and vasculature, each contributing to the skin color. In the fine arts of the Renaissance, skin is understood as primarily a layer of material. The human skin can express feelings, emotions, and various states of mind. We analyze two works of the Italian artist Alberto Burri (1915-1995), who painted in the postwar period. He opens a window into human existence with his materials while showing tragedies and wounds.