In 1792, French artist Anne-Louis Girodet de Roucy-Trioson painted Hippocrates Refuses the Gifts of Artaxerxes, an oil painting measuring 134×98 cm. The work, now housed at the Musée de l’Histoire de la Médecine in Paris, marked one of Girodet’s earliest successes. With its neoclassical style, the painting powerfully conveys the moral weight of medical ethics, highlighting the legendary figure of Hippocrates, often regarded as the father of medicine.
The Historical Event and Context of the Scene
The painting is based on a historical and legendary episode that occurred during the reign of Artaxerxes I, when Persia was ravaged by a devastating plague. In a desperate attempt to save his kingdom, the Persian king sent ambassadors to Greece to request the help of Hippocrates, the most renowned healer of his time. Artaxerxes offered lavish gifts and large sums of money to persuade Hippocrates to come to Persia and eradicate the plague.
However, Hippocrates, staying true to his homeland and his ethical principles, rejected the king’s offer. Despite the wealth and rewards he was promised, Hippocrates chose to remain in Greece, refusing to aid the enemies of his country, even though it meant forgoing great riches. Soon after, the same plague spread to Greece, affecting the land Hippocrates had chosen to protect.
The Representation of Wealth and Power
In Girodet’s painting, the Persian dignitaries are shown in rich, ornate garments, respectfully laying their gifts—gold coins, jewels, and precious items—at Hippocrates’ feet. These lavish offerings symbolize not only material wealth but also the political pressure and influence being exerted on the physician. Yet, the true focus of the scene is Hippocrates’ heroic refusal to accept the gifts.
The wealth that is so prominently displayed in the scene—representing temptation and potential corruption—loses all significance in the face of Hippocrates’ unwavering moral integrity. By emphasizing the extravagant gifts at the doctor’s feet, Girodet highlights the vast difference between material power and Hippocrates’ steadfast commitment to his ethical principles.
Medical Ethics and the Universal Message
Through Hippocrates Refuses the Gifts of Artaxerxes, Girodet delivers a universal message that goes beyond the historical context. The painting elevates medical ethics, dedication to truth, and resistance to corruption as the true subjects of the artwork. Hippocrates embodies the core values of integrity, sacrifice, and responsibility that form the foundation of the Hippocratic Oath, a symbol of medical ethics that endures to this day.
Hippocrates’ refusal is not only an act of patriotism but also an affirmation of the physician’s role as a servant to public health and the common good. His rejection of wealth and political power underscores that a doctor’s duty should be to humanity, not to personal gain or influence.
Conclusion
Hippocrates Refuses the Gifts of Artaxerxes is a masterpiece that combines technical skill with profound moral depth. Through the figure of Hippocrates, Girodet celebrates the universal values of ethics, justice, and integrity. The scene of Hippocrates rejecting Artaxerxes’ gifts serves as a timeless symbol of standing by one’s principles in a world often dominated by material temptations and political power. The painting reminds us of the enduring importance of morality and ethical conduct, especially in the face of wealth and influence.