The symbolic representation of the myth of Hygeia afforded a fine subject for the sculptors and other artists. Extremely attractive figures of her were produced. One of them, at least, is doubtless familiar to the reader. I have reference to the one in which she is represented as a blooming girl with a serpent twined around her left arm[438] and feeding out of a patera or chalice held in her right hand. With this ideal in his mind, the late Dr. Aitken Meigs, in a remarkable address[439] delivered in 1879, pronounces “the high-born maid” to be “of beauty’s types, the highest, best idea,” and continues:—
“Nor fragile she, nor pale, but ruddy, strong,
And gladsome as a tuneful, joyous song;
Her comely form, in swelling curves designed,
Is perfect grace, with glowing strength combined;
Crimson and white in her fair face contend,
Upon her cheeks in sweet confusion blend;
Her rosy lips excel the coral’s brightness,
Brow, nose, and chin are fleecy ways of whiteness;