Christ as a pharmacist 14.08.2024
The motif of Christ as a pharmacist has been widespread as a symbol of Christian salvation since the 17th century.
The oil painting from 1657 was donated to the burgher hospital in St. Pölten by a local family as thanks for surviving the plague. Today, it can be seen in the St. Pölten City Museum. Christ is depicted as a pharmacist, offering the most important remedies for the healing of body and soul: besides the host and chalice, these include various Christian virtues such as mercy, hope, and humility, which are kept in sealed vessels. In the past, medicine and faith were closely linked, and Christ was seen as a saviour who brings both physical healing and spiritual salvation, hence the term "Christus medicus". The profession of the pharmacist developed in the 13th century, with the first pharmacies in Austria appearing around 1300, mainly in larger cities. A maximum card will also be issued along with the commemorative stamp.
Series: Sacred art in Austria
Value: 1.20 euros
First day of issue: 14.09.2024
First day: 3100 St. Pölten
Stamp size: 35.00 x 35.00 mm
Perforation measurement: 13¾ x 13¾
Graphic design: Kirsten Lubach
Printing: Joh. Enschedé Stamps B.V.
Printing technique: offset printing
Quantity: 200,000 stamps on sheets of 50 units each