Dental Items of Interest: The Case of Delphic Sibyl by Michelangelo: Solitary Median Maxillary Central Incisor or Mesiodens

J Hist Dent. 2015 Summer-Fall;63(2):65-6.

Abstract

A case of an anomaly in the maxillary dental arch on "Delphic Sibyl," a fresco by Michelangelo is reported. An accurate analysis of this fresco shows a single incisor tooth is present precisely in the midline. We hypothesize that it may be a case of solitary median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI) and discuss the differential diagnosis with another similar anomaly--the mesiodens.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • History, 15th Century
  • History, 16th Century
  • Humans
  • Incisor / abnormalities*
  • Italy
  • Medicine in the Arts*
  • Paintings / history*
  • Tooth, Supernumerary / history*

Personal name as subject

  • Michelangelo Buonarroti