Saint Cosmas, Circle of Ignaz Günther (active late 1700s)

The elegantly gesturing figures of Saints Cosmas and Damian likely flanked the central part of a South-German rococo altarpiece. Cosmas and Damian were 3rd-century twin brothers. Because the martyr-twins were physicians, they were later venerated by those seeking protection from the plague and adopted as patron saints for members of medical professions.