



Wooden figure of Saint Damien, twin brother of Saint Cosmas, patron saints of physicians, possibly French
St Damian and his twin brother St Cosmas were physicians who provided medical treatment free of charge in the hope of converting their patients to Christianity. The twins are said to have died for their Christian beliefs in the 300s CE.
St Damian is shown carrying a pestle and mortar used to pound ingredients for drugs, one of the tools of his profession. The brothers are considered by some Christians to be the patron saints of physicians. The statue is carved from wood and was probably used in a church to focus prayer.
On display
Science Museum: Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries
If you are visiting to see this object, please contact us in advance to make sure that it will be on display.
Related people
Details
- Category:
- Classical & Medieval Medicine
- Object Number:
- A136379
- type:
- statue
- taxonomy:
-
- furnishing and equipment
- tools & equipment
- grinder - tool
- visual and verbal communication
- sculpture
- furnishing and equipment
- tools & equipment
- pounder
- credit:
- Treanton
Cite this page
Rights
We encourage the use and reuse of our collection data.
Data in the title, made, maker and details fields are released under Creative Commons Zero
Descriptions and all other text content are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence
Download
Download catalogue entry as json
View manifest in IIIF viewer
Add to Animal Crossing Art Generator
Download manifest IIIF
Our records are constantly being enhanced and improved, but please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information shown on this website.