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Start Over Repository University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts Subject Medicine Creator Helfand, William H.

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William H. Helfand collection of artwork and printed ephemera, 1790-1990 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.5 linear feet (1 box and 7 oversized folders)
Abstract:
William Helfand (1926-2008) was a scholar of the histories of medicine, pharmacy and art, and a collector of prints and ephemera related to all three. This collection contains a fairly diverse set of artwork and printed ephemera collected by Helfand, which, for the most part, relates to pharmacy and medicine and/or the fine arts.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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William H. Helfand collection of ex-votos and devotional paintings on medical subjects, 1868-2002 (inclusive)

Extent:
61 item
Abstract:
A gift of historian of pharmacy and medicine Dr. William H. Helfand, this collection of ex-votos and devotional paintings on medical subjects offers insight into Mexican religious folk practices. Ex-votos are votive paintings usually hung in churches and religious venues as a sign of gratitude for received blessings or healings. The collection includes ex-votos dated between 1868 and 2002 and dedicated to Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint James the Moor-slayer, Saint Paschal Baylon, Saint Barbara, Saint Judas Thaddeus, Saint Nicholas, and Saint Cosmas.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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William H. Helfand collection of medical quackery ephemera, 1736-2006, undated (inclusive)

Extent:
2 linear feet (6 boxes)
Abstract:
The William H. Helfand collection of medical quackery ephemera contains prints that address the public perception of physicians and the practice of medicine across three centuries (1736-2006, with undated materials). A large number of cartoons from nineteenth century French satirical newspapers reveal that medical practices and symbols were used to visually express political sentiments. In this collection, medicine also emerges as a theme in imagerie populaire, inexpensive block prints mass-produced during the same period. Other aspects and eras of medicine are represented in the collection's portraits, advertisements, devotional images and artwork.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]