Allegorische voorstelling met Apollo en Diana en drie personificaties van de farmacie 1626

This 1626 engraving by Moyses van Wtenbrouck, titled "Allegorische voorstelling met Apollo en Diana en drie personificaties van de farmacie," depicts a complex allegory of the medicinal uses of tobacco. The central inscription, "Tabacologia," sets the stage for the scene, which includes Apollo and Diana, both deities associated with healing, flanking a figure representing tobacco. Surrounding them are three allegorical figures representing various aspects of pharmacy, with a cornucopia of medicinal plants and tools at their feet. This work, measuring just 198 mm x 139 mm, provides a fascinating glimpse into the early understanding of tobacco and its potential benefits.