Do you know who this figure represents?
Know who he is? The snake-entwined staff in this kindly classical gentleman's right hand is the clue. He is Aesculapius, the ancient god of medicine. His staff with it’s single snake is the correct traditional symbol of medicine, our use of a twin-snaked caduceus being a confused 20th century adoption. Aesculapius is not a particularly common figure, but it is one I would like to own. My modern-day doctor is slightly better dressed, but I wish he exuded the same patience that Aesculapius does. How times have changed!
I know of only two potbanks that made Aesculapius. His female counterpart, on the other hand, seems to have been a far more popular subject.
I know of only two potbanks that made Aesculapius. His female counterpart, on the other hand, seems to have been a far more popular subject.
Formerly in the stock of Andrew Dando.
She is Hygiea the goddess of health. Hygiea was Aesculapius's daughter and she miraculously healed by administering the bile of the gorgon Medusa. For this reason, Hygiea is portrayed with an ewer and bowl holding Medusa’s bile. In ancient statuary, Hygeia frequently feeds a snake from a bowl, the snake symbolizing healing or rebirth because of its ability to shed its skin.
So aren't classical figures fascinating? If you want Aesculapius, you will have to be patient. Hygiea is easy to find, particularly if you tolerate a mediocre example. But a beauty, like the one shown here, requires a little more patience and is well worth the wait.
So aren't classical figures fascinating? If you want Aesculapius, you will have to be patient. Hygiea is easy to find, particularly if you tolerate a mediocre example. But a beauty, like the one shown here, requires a little more patience and is well worth the wait.
