Detail from Peter Paul Rubens, 'Portrait of Ludovicus Nonnius', about 1627. Click on detail to see whole painting.

Hippocrates

This detail is a bust of Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician considered to be the founder of medicine. His name is associated with the Hippocratic oath, which for many years was traditionally taken by doctors at their graduation ceremony to show their commitment to his ethical principles.

The bust appears in the background of a portrait of the Portugese doctor Ludovicus Nonnius (about 1553-1645/6). Nonnius worked in Antwerp and wrote a number of works, including the 'Diaeteticon' (1627). This book was a study of diet as an important factor for good health, and was based upon the eating habits of the ancient Romans.

The presence of the bust of Hippocrates identifies Nonnius as a doctor and shows his respect for Antiquity. At that time much European learning was based on Greek and Roman knowledge, and this often formed the starting point of any new 'scientific' writing.

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