Aesculapius & Hygeia sculptures - Chicago, IL
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N 41° 52.262 W 087° 40.361
16T E 444177 N 4635676
Statue of Asclepius (Aesculapius is the Latin version), the god of medicine and healing in ancient Greek religion, paired with one of his daughters, Hygeia. Both built for WPA Federal Art Project in 1938.
Waymark Code: WM9V70
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 09/30/2010
Views: 3
From wikipedia
Asclepius represents the healing aspect of the medical arts; his daughters are Hygieia ("Hygiene"), Iaso ("Medicine"), Aceso ("Healing"), Aglæa/Ægle ("Healthy Glow"), and Panacea ("Universal Remedy"). The rod of Asclepius, a snake-entwined staff, remains a symbol of medicine today, although sometimes the caduceus, or staff with two snakes, is mistakenly used instead. He was one of Apollo's sons. Like his father the epithet Paean ("the Healer") was applied to Asclepius.
From the Smithsonian database:
Dimensions: Sculpture: approx. 10 x 3 x 2 ft.; Base: approx. 5 ft. x 3 ft. 4 in. x 2 ft. 8 in.
Inscription: (Near base of sculpture:) ILL W.P.A. War Serv. proj. Edouard Chassaing signed
Description: Nude male figure stands with a snake coiled along his proper right side. The snake wraps around the back of the figure's head and rests its head on the figure's chest. The figure holds the snake to his chest with his proper left hand. The figure is bearded and is slightly draped.
Partially nude female figure stands with a snake draped down her proper left side. Her proper left hand holds the snake's head to her chest as the snake coils around behind her neck. Detailing is stylized and in low relief. Sculpture is installed under a portico.
Remarks: Sculpture was created as part of the Works Progress Administration and was sponsored by the University of Illinois' Medical Alumni Association. Sculpture was given to the university when it was located on Honor Street before it moved to the present campus in 1931.
The remarks above are paraphrased from the informational bronze plaque on front of Aesculapius that reads as follows:
"Aesculapius
Created for the University of Illinois by the W.P.A. Art Project sponsored by the Medical Alumni Association and presented by them to the College of Medicine in honor of those who graduated from this institution while it was located on Honore Street before its transfer to the present campus in 1931. May 16, 1945"
See A guide to art at the University of Illinois By Muriel Scheinman for more excellent information: (
visit link)