Aesculapius, the Greek god of medicine, is shown flanked by Apollo and Hippocrates. They receive a box of exotic medicinal substances, similar to those brought back from Asia by agents of the Dutch East-India Company. To the right, the materia medica is turned into medicines in a Western pharmaceutical laboratory. This reflects the interest shown in Eastern medicine during the 18th century, which has continued developing to this day.

Oil painting, Johannes Prey (1744-1823) Rotterdam; 16 July 1791.
Wellcome Library no. 466059i. (Image no.L30884)