How Can “The Doctor” from the 1800’s Speak to Us Today?

“Every now and then one paints a picture that seems to have opened a door and serves as a stepping stone to other things.”  ― Pablo Picasso

There are certain classic paintings which have captured some important “deeper meaning” for our work in the medical profession and withstood the test of time.  One such image is the painting titled “The Doctor,” created by Sir Luke Fildes in 1891.  

The painting was commissioned in 1890 with the subject left to the artist’s discretion.  Per Fildes’ son and biographer L.V. Fildes, the artist chose to recall a personal tragedy of his own, when in 1877 his first son, Philip, had died in their home at the age of one from typhoid.  He shares, “The character and bearing of their doctor throughout the time of their anxiety made a deep impression on my parents.  Dr. Murray became a symbol of professional devotion which would one day inspire the painting ….”

Likely you have viewed this picture many times before, and perhaps have even formed an opinion or a certain set of emotions around it.   Take a few moments to examine it with “fresh eyes,” paying particular attention to any specific details that you are drawn to.  As you do, consider these questions: 

·       What do you notice?  What emotions does it stir for you?     

·       As you look, are you reminded of any particular patients or circumstances? 

·       How does this image capture some important values of our healing profession?

·       Are there parts of it that you find yourself pushing against or feeling dissonance?

·       What might a painting with a similar theme look like today?

Click here for a larger version: "The Doctor"

While it would be easy to dismiss this painting as a product of a bygone era, perhaps there are ways it can still speak to us today.  If “the Doctor” could speak with you, what do you think he might say?  What would you want to say to him?

This week, consider sharing some of your impressions with your PeerRxMed partner.  Perhaps this could be a catalyst for discussion at your upcoming PRx90 (“up to 90 minutes every 90 days”) meeting time.   Afterall, we’ve inherited “The Doctor” as part of our collective professional history.  Let’s make that inheritance a dialogue that we can continue to learn from  ….