Sculptures and busts

Title

Sculptures and busts

Description

The College’s collection of busts and sculptures predominantly comprises works dating from the nineteenth century. The majority of the pieces are portrait busts, depicting significant figures in medical history, with most of the subjects originating from Scotland and having an association with the College itself. Classical and mythological figures, such as Hippocrates and Hygeia, also appear in a number of busts and statues. The pieces are predominantly in a classical or neo-classical style and are mostly made from plaster or marble.

Date

17th century - 21st century

Items in the Sculptures and busts Collection

Profile of Matthew Baillie (1761-1823)<br /><br /> <br /><br />
In 1865 the Great Hall was enlarged by the architect David Bryce, who ordered the roundel portraits from George MacCallum. MacCallum was paid four pounds per profile, a total of £60 for the set of 15 ‘Heads with wreaths’.

The portraits appear…

Profile of John Abercrombie (1780-1844)<br /><br /> <br /><br />
According to the College Minutes of November 1844 ‘Dr. Christison stated that being aware of the feelings of his professional Bretheren he had communicated with the relatives [of John Abercrombie], and with their permission had instructed Mr.…

Profile of Herman Boerhaave (1688-1738)<br /><br />
In 1865 the Great Hall was enlarged by the architect David Bryce, who ordered the roundel portraits from George MacCallum. MacCallum was paid four pounds per profile, a total of £60 for the set of 15 ‘Heads with wreaths’.

The portraits appear…

Statue of Classical Female Figure (1)<br /><br />
This particular figure wears a diadem on her head and stands naked from the waist up with her right hand behind her back. She does not possess any symbols which indicate her particular identity. This figure appears four times in the sequence of…

Statue of Classical Female Figure (2)<br /><br />
This figure is depicted fully draped with the sculptor paying significant attention to portraying the draping of the robe. The statue’s left hand is also seen to be obscured as it is covered by the fabric of the lady’s garments, which again…

Statue of Classical Female Figure (3)<br /><br />
This fully draped female figure is depicted with her right hand outstretched, whilst in her left hand she holds three plants, probably some fruit or vegetables. There is a ring on her first left finger and she also wears a bracelet, in the shape of a…

Statue of Classical Female Figure (4)<br /><br />
This figure stands with her arms behind her back and is fully draped, although her arms are bare. As with the majority of the statues in the hall she possesses no symbols which distinguish her as Hygeia or any other particular classical…

Statue of Classical Female Figure (5)<br /><br />
This fully draped figure appears to be holding a scroll in her right hand. This may be a reference to Clio, the muse of history, who is traditionally depicted with a set of tablets or a scroll, although it is usually open. In any case, the presence…

Statue of Classical Female Figure (6)<br /><br />
This classical female figure stands fully draped and is portrayed holding her long hair above both of her shoulders.

Overview

In total 24 female figures stand above the architrave in the Great Hall. However, there are only eight unique figures…

Bust of John Abercrombie (1780-1844)<br /><br />
According to the College Minutes of November 1844 ‘Dr. Christison stated that being aware of the feelings of his professional Bretheren he had communicated with the relatives [of John Abercrombie], and with their permission had instructed Mr.…