Hygeia was revealed by Gustav Klimt in 1901, during the tenth Secession Exhibition. It was part of a series of 3 paintings made by Klimt to decorate the university of Vienna. The three paintings were Medicine, Philosophy and Jurisprudence. The series is also known as the Faculty paintings. The paintings were all destroyed by retreating German SS forces. Today, only a clear picture of Hygeia, part of the Medicine painting, remains.
In the painting we find Hygeia, the Greek goodness of health, cleanliness and sanitation and daughter of the god of medicine, standing in her stunning red robe with golden symbols. The Aesculapius snake is wrapped around her arm while in her other hand, she holds a cup of Lethe (which imbues memory loss in any drinker). Her appearance is powerful and clear and yet she seems hesitant, even as if turning away. It gives the impression that though she sees clearly, she might not actually want to provide any assistance. She might just turn her back to us. This helps create an ambiguity in the painting, as the role and power of medicine is brought into question. The painting was criticized for this when it was first revealed, especially since Vienna was considered a medical hub at the time.
Nevertheless, the appearance of Hygeia in the painting is powerful and full of color. She has a majestic look, even as she considers whether she has any desire to be involved at all. It is a true Klimt masterpiece, and one that most clearly deserves reproduction, so we can once again enjoy its beauty and power.
