• Bertel Thorvaldsen

Hygieia Feeding Asclepius's Snake

• Whole work's titleStrength, Health, Justice, and Wisdom

• DateringPresumably November 1808
• Type of Work / ObjectSculpture > Relief

• Location

  • Denmark > Copenhagen > Thorvaldsens Museum > Main Floor > Grand Hall
• Inventory NumberA318

• Catalogue NumberA318
• Catalogue Level / CollectionThorvaldsen's Art > Thorvaldsen's Sculptures (A)

Explanation

• Aesculapius is the god of medicine and his daughter Hygieia, the goddess of health. Here she is giving a health-giving drink to the snake winding itself around Aesculapius’ staff. The scene is an allegory of “Health”.

Motiv / Tema

• Animal > Snake
• Object > Tool > Staff > Asclepius staff
• Human > God > Asclepius / Aesculapius
• Human > Goddess > Hygieia / Salus

Additional Catalogue Information