Asklepios 1830

Etienne Acille Réveil created this print of Asklepios using etching and engraving techniques. Réveil was active in the early to mid-19th century, a period marked by a renewed interest in classical antiquity and its values. Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine and healing, embodies ideas about health, wellness, and the body. The imagery in this etching echoes the patriarchal structures of ancient Greek society, where male gods were often represented as paragons of strength and authority. The portrayal of Asklepios, with his idealized physique and symbols of power, emphasizes the prevailing gender norms and hierarchies of the time. The print reflects historical attitudes toward healing and the body, while also inviting us to consider the cultural values embedded in these representations. What does it mean to depict a god of healing in this way, and how might it reflect or shape our own understanding of health and wellness?