Hygeia – 27,5 cm

Hygeia, the Greek goddess of health, cleanliness, and hygiene. Hygeia was the daughter of Asclepius, the god of medicine, and Epione, the goddess of soothing. Asclepius was renowned for his healing abilities and was often depicted with his daughters, Hygeia and Panacea. While Panacea represented universal remedies, Hygeia's domain was focused more on preventive medicine, cleanliness, and overall health maintenance. The snake is a prominent symbol associated with Hygeia and ancient healing practices. In Greek mythology, snakes were believed to possess healing powers and were often associated with Asclepius and his family. The serpent shedding its skin symbolized renewal and rejuvenation, while its ability to strike and inject venom was seen as analogous to the delivery of medicine or healing remedies. By offering the bowl to the snake, Hygeia symbolically provides nourishment and sustenance, fostering the snake's vitality and, by extension, the well-being of those seeking healing. In ancient Greek culture, snakes were also associated with wisdom and knowledge. By incorporating the snake into the depiction of Hygeia, the symbolism extends to the idea of acquiring wisdom about health practices and the medicinal properties of plants and remedies.