Allegorie op de geneeskunde in Straatsburg 1725

Jacob Andreas Fridrich created this allegory on medicine in Strasbourg in an engraving sometime between the late 17th and early 18th century. The work uses allegorical figures set against a backdrop of the city of Strasbourg, which had a rich history of medical innovation and education. In this image, we see medicine personified through female figures, one holding a book, representing knowledge and theory, while the other holds a vial, symbolizing practical experience and observation. Hovering above is a cherubic figure bearing a banner. Consider how the artist uses this imagery to emphasize the balance between intellect and practice, a debate that was central to medical discourse at the time. This piece reflects the era's evolving understanding of medicine as both an art and a science, deeply rooted in both ancient traditions and emergent empirical methods. It invites us to consider the dual nature of healing, and it continues to raise questions about the intertwining of knowledge, practice, and hope in the pursuit of health.