The Menil Collection The Menil Collection

Set against a yellow-gold background, the physician saints Cosmas and Damian are identified by Slavonic inscriptions across the top, indicating Serbia as the origin of the icon. They are shown with their medical instruments contained within a red case. Damian, on the right, holds a spatula used to apply ointment. The saints were known as “without silver” or “moneyless” (anargyroi) because they refused to accept payment for their work. Their generosity and their fame as healers drew many to adopt the saints’ Christian faith. They were allegedly arrested and martyred for their beliefs under the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284–305 CE), and their cult originated in 5th-century Constantinople. The patron saints of physicians and barbers, Cosmas and Damian always appear together as a pair. Reinforcing their twinned appearance, they are dressed in identical liturgical vestments (garments reserved for members of the clergy), but in inverted colors. Each wears a sleeveless circular cloak (paenula) over a long-sleeved shirt with a gold hem. Their cloaks are closed with matching cruciform medals mounted with pearls. The reddish hems of their tunics (chitons) indicate their martyrdom.