Anathema Case #1
2008
Status: Sold (Private Collection)
1892: Ernesto Sabatella – biologist and Vatican priest had struggled with his thirst for knowledge and its effect on his personal faith. His own secular research had yielded many answers that challenged the very foundation of his belief, and drove a wedge into his relationships with his peers. His work was seen as heretical and he was eventually shunned.
In a last bid attempt to quell the war in his mind, he began a quest to seek an equilibrium between science and religion. Years passed and with no hope of solace – he turned to the fringe field of genetics. The human genome had been mapped by 1852 and heralded a myriad of possibilities. He took from this what he could – and applied various mathematical hypothesis to his research; to break the symmetry of life and find the face of god.
He created a serum that he called the Esheridadae Compound – its effect was quite clear – the ability to mould genes like clay. He split the very essence of life and peered inside; forming various abominable life forms in his quest for that elusive goal.
This box is the first of 5 separate stages in his research, known collectively as the Anathema Mechanisms. The device itself is still under lock and key, but various pieces of his work have arisen over the years. This was the first leg of his journey – to create the serum and select a course of action.
This project is known as Experimenta Genere Trium – Experiments in the Order of Three. Breaking the symmetry of the body in an attempt to crack the will of his god.
Contents
In the box is contained four biological samples: A three-fingered infant hand, a bizarre malformed mouth part, an unknown growth and a three-armed fetus.
The box also contains a note book with extensive notes and diagrams, drawing tools, a syringe, a small leather bound case containing the serum, two tins of unknown powders – presumably elements of the serum, a strange mechanical magnifying device, medical slides of cell cultures, and various other items. The two glass display windows in the roof of the box are lit by means of a switch.
N.B.: Original size of box: 7.5 x 4.5 x 5 inches