| Description Of Item | The College possesses three plaster busts of Hippocrates, two of which are identical, having probably been cast from the same original bust. The first of these identical busts is displayed in the Great Hall (see right), whilst the second is located in the Sibbald Library (see below). It is probable that the College purchased the pieces from Brucciani & Co. who were also responsible for providing some of the other busts and statues in the College’s collection alongside the reliefs in the Great Hall. Moreover, Brucciani listed a bust of Hippocrates in the 1885 catalogue of reproductions in the British Museum.
These identical busts of Hippocrates offer a classical portrayal of the physician. His face is also notably lined with wrinkles, particularly in the forehead, a stylistic feature which may be intended to emphasise his deep thought and intellect. Furthermore, these busts arguably offer a more restrained portrayal than that seen in the college's third bust of Hippocrates.
A full statue of Hippocrates is also found on the principle façade of the College, visible from Queen Street. As well as this Hippocrates appears in a front facing portrait in the frieze in the Great Hall.
Artist: D. Brucciani & Co. |