This obstetrical wax model and item XVIII.56 describe embryotomy. Here, decapitation is shown. After the removal of the head, begins the prolapsus of the upper left limb for disengaging the fetus. Decapitation is one of the oldest obstetrical operations. It was performed in shoulder presentations, bringing immediate relief to the pregnant woman and often saving her life.

The model was commissioned by Felice Fontana, who was working on the installation of the Museo di Fisica e Storia Naturale of Florence, from the sculptor Giuseppe Ferrini and his assistant Clemente Susini.