First day of the commemorative stamp Christ as a pharmacist
Christ as a pharmacist
Heavenly assistance
The second stamp of the year in the series "Sacred art in Austria" features a painting from the St. Pölten City Museum, in which Christ is depicted as a pharmacist.
Throughout history, medicine and faith have been closely intertwined. The depiction of Christ as a physician or apothecary dates back to the earlier belief that plagues and severe illnesses were caused by demons or were burdens imposed by God and could only be healed through heavenly assistance. Jesus Christ was seen as the saviour who brings both physical healing and spiritual salvation. His healings were perceived as medical acts, hence the term "Christus medicus" (Christ the physician). Monasteries with their herb gardens were centres of medical knowledge, where the effects of medicinal herbs were researched and documented. The profession of apothecary developed in the 13th century; the first pharmacies in Austria emerged around 1300, mainly in larger cities.
The motif of "Christ as pharmacist" became widespread in the 17th century as a symbol of Christian salvation. The oil painting shown was donated in 1657 by the Ring family to the burgher hospital in St. Pölten as thanks for surviving the plague. In it, Christ is depicted as a pharmacist offering the most important remedies for the healing of body and soul: alongside the host and chalice, these include various Christian virtues such as mercy, hope, and humility, which are kept in sealed vessels.
When?
14.09.2024, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Presentation at 10:00 a.m.
Where? Lobby of the meeting room at St. Pölten City Hall, Rathausplatz 1, 3100 St. Pölten
Group pictures Picture 1
Picture of presentation: © Ö. Post AG
Group picture, left to right:
Helmut Kogler (President, VÖPh), Thomas Pulle (museum director), Martina Prinz (head of Philately at Austrian Post), Wilhelm Remes (President, St. Gabriel Philately Association)
Matthias Stadler (mayor), Alfred Kellner (head of cultural centre), Andreas Gentzsch (owner of the “Golden Lion” pharmacy), Heinz Hauptmann (municipal councillor), Birgit Becker (municipal councillor)
