Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Day #34 of 40



This 10-foot-high statue of "Christus Consolator" stands in the lobby of Billings, the original building at Johns Hopkins. It is a replica of an 1820 work by the Danish sculptor, Bertel Thorvaldsen. People lay flowers at the feet of the statue and touch it as they pass. They write prayers for healing and expressions of gratitude and sorrow in two books near the statue. 

Johns Hopkins, the wealthy Quaker philanthropist who founded the hospital, envisioned a secular institution dedicated to medical science. The hospital is not affiliated with any religious denomination, yet here stands the statue at the entrance to the old hospital, a source of comfort for many patients and their families. 

1 comment:

  1. That is quite interesting about John Hopkins. Did not know he was a Quaker. Nice picture!

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