Sanitas, from Proposopographia 1580 - 1595

Philips Galle created this engraving called "Sanitas" as part of his "Proposopographia" series. Here, the artist presents a visual representation of "Sanitas," the Roman goddess of health, reflecting the 16th-century obsession with classical antiquity and its relevance to contemporary life. The image conveys meaning through a combination of classical and contemporary symbols. Sanitas is shown as a beautiful young woman, holding a five-pointed star, an attribute meant to represent the goddess Hygieia, a five-petalled flower with health-giving properties. The snake-entwined staff is another direct reference to the classical symbol of medicine. Galle was Flemish, and this print comes out of the great printmaking industry that was flourishing in Antwerp at the time. These prints were not just art objects; they circulated ideas, shaped taste, and reinforced social norms about health, beauty, and the classical past. Understanding this image requires that we reflect on the cultural values of the time. Art history can help us unpack those meanings and appreciate the complex interplay between art and society.