


Gilt medallion illustrating St. Roch and St. Hubert, an amulat against disease, French, 1840-1960
St Hubert (c. 656-c. 728) was a Christian bishop and was usually called upon through prayer to cure and protect against rabies.
The reverse shows St Roch (1295-1327), a Christian saint. Roch was a Christian pilgrim who was believed to cure those with, and protect against, plague. Once plague was no longer a threat in Europe, St Roch’s protection was transferred to other diseases, such as cholera. Amulets have been worn for thousands of years to protect the wearer from illness, ill fortune and bad luck.
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Details
- Category:
- Wellcome Medals
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A676874
- Materials:
- metal (gilt)
- type:
- personal medals