The Arrival of Aesculapius in Rome c. 1700

François Boitard's "The Arrival of Aesculapius in Rome" (c. 1700) depicts the mythical arrival of the Greek god of medicine and healing, Aesculapius, in Rome. The scene is set on a dock, with a ship arriving in the distance and a crowd gathered in the foreground. A serpent, a symbol of Aesculapius, is prominent in the composition, suggesting the healing powers of the god. The drawing, executed in pen and ink, showcases Boitard's skill in capturing the drama and movement of the scene, with an emphasis on the figures and their expressive gestures.