Harrold, Jillian (2007) Saintly doctors : the early iconography of SS. Cosmas and Damian in Italy. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

The Italian iconography of the doctor saints Cosmas and Damian reflects
fluctuations in the fortunes of the cult of those saints with significant variations in
appearance and meaning being tied to changes in the position of the saints with
respect to function, as miraculous healers, as representatives of professional
doctors and as patrons of a powerful family.
This study considers the development of the iconography of the doctor
saints Cosmas and Damian in Italy, beginning with the emergence of images in
the late antique period. These early representations are explored within the
context of the historic and liturgical origins of the cult of SS. Cosmas and
Damian with particular attention paid to the hagiography and more specfically the
miracle stories which provide a significant amount of information about the role
of images in a Christian healing cult. Evidence that sheds light on the early
development of the iconography of the saints reflecting their position within the
broader context of the establishment of Christian healers in direct opposition to
their popular pagan counterparts.
In the fourteenth century the appearance of SS. Cosmas and Damian was
transformed mirroring the appearance of contemporary doctors, which in turn
reflected the professionalisation of medicine and the role of the saints as patrons
to members of that profession. This iconographic development is considered in
the context of sources such as university statutes and civic sumptuary regulations
that helped to shape the environment of increasing specialization that resulted in the necessity of a distinctive costume for qualified professionals. At the same
time there remained continuity in the position SS. Cosmas and Damian inhabited
in the popular imagination with images of the saints continuing to be associated
with their traditional role as miraculous healers.
Finally the large number of images commissioned by Cosimo de’ Medici
in Florence in the first half of the fifteenth century are examined. At this time the
position of the saints, as intercessors for and protectors of the Medici family
allowed them to appear in unfamiliar locations granting them a civic and political
relevance not achieved before in the history of the cult. The clear identification of
the saints with the family allowed them to act as a reminder of the family’s
position in Florence and for a time the doctors were known as family patrons
rather than solely as doctors and healers.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BR Christianity N Fine Arts > N Visual arts (General) For photography, see TR R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Cosmas, Saint -- Art, Damian, Saint, d. ca. 303 -- Art, Idols and images -- Italy, Christian saints in art, Medicine and art -- Italy -- History
Official Date:	May 2007
Dates:	Date Event May 2007 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of History of Art
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Gardner, Julian
Extent:	393 leaves : ill.
Language:	eng

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