This obstetrical wax model and item XVIII.60 illustrate total placenta previa, which occurs when the placenta develops in the lowest region of the uterus to the point where it covers the cervix, placing itself in front of the presentation. Shown here is Cesarean section performed on the median of the thinned abdominal walls. The uterus is bared and cut transversally without touching the lower segment. After promptly extracting the fetus, the uterus is sutured, then the abdomen. Under the uterus, we can see a fetus in cephalic presentation and right occiput anterior position.

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.