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Cosmas and Damian

Harm van Weerden, Chris Verbeek

About this artwork.

The two sculptures are carved out of grey/white cristallino marble that has been polished smooth in some places. The two abstract heads have more or less complementary shapes. For example, the one in the foreground has a thick nose and a chin that protrudes forwards, while the neck is in a collar that forms the lower part of the sculpture. As a result, the convex back of the head fits exactly into the hollow face of the head behind it, which only shows vague signs of having a nose.
 
The sculptures are reminiscent of the “primitive art” of Africa and other areas.
 
The title of the sculpture, Cosmas and Damian, refers to a legend that takes place in Syria and in which two Christian twin brothers practise the art of healing out of charity. Because they made many converts, they were killed around 300 AD during a Christian persecution. As a result, they became martyrs and eventually became the patron saints of physicians and pharmacists.
 
In 1979, at the opening of the Martini Hospital on the Paterswoldse Weg, the medical staff presented the sculptures to the hospital. The front head was made by Harm van Weerden, the back by Chris Verbeek. 
 
Since the new construction on the north side of the hospital on the Van Swietenplein, the work has been located near the new main entrance.

Location.

Van Swietenplein (Martini Ziekenhuis)

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Facts & Figures.