St. Cosmas or St. Damian (?)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Although the conspicuous paunch and heavy money bag suggest a wealthy burgher, this sculpture may represent Saint Cosmos and Saint Damian. Third century twin brothers who were doctors, they were held in special esteem because they never charged for their services. In western European tradition, the brothers joined Saint Luke as patron saints of physicians and surgeons and are often shown in art carrying their surgical instruments. Perhaps the bag this figure carries was for his instruments.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.

Metropolitan Museum of Art