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Apothecary of the Soul Painting
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Title |
Apothecary of the Soul Painting
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Museum |
Country Doctor Museum
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Date |
1700-1750
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Extent |
Width: 76.2" Depth: 4.3" Height: 97.8"
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Subject |
Oil Painting
Medicine
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Description
This allegorical, oil on canvas painting is believed to be of German origin, probably from the 17th century. The painting depicts Christ in an apothecary room weighing a man's soul on a scale, as a doctor would weigh medicine or herbs for his patients. This painting is one of only a handful of paintings from this genre that are still in existence around the world.
Transcripton
Painted in Germany by an unknown artist in the 18th century, this oil painting many have been commissioned by a local apothecary shop owner as a decorative piece, as well as a teaching tool. The image features Christ as a proprietor of a well stocked pharmacy. The apothecary jars in the background and the drawer fronts are labeled with Christian virtues from the bible rather than with medicinal ingredients. Christ is weighing a crucifix a symbol of his death, for the sins of mankind against the weight of a bloody two horned beast mentioned in Revelations. The left hand of Christ is on a box of herbs cross wart known for its healing qualities, which may signify forgiveness for the penitent sinner holding a ribbon which reads my, "My sins are heavy and overwhelming and grieve me from the heart." At the top of the balance standing on the book of Sacred Decrees, is the Lamb of God.
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