[Jan Steen's fire pot; pregnancy test or gynecological therapeutic method in the 17th century?].
The doctor's visit is a frequently used subject in paintings from the 17th century. Jan Steen made several paintings in this genre. He always used as a medical attribute a fire pot with a burning lace. This lace can be explained as a diagnostic tool for pregnancy, as a medium to bring round a fainting woman--or (and most probably) as a scent therapy for a wandering womb. This therapy originates from the Egyptians and antique Greek doctors.
Lubsen-Brandsma
M A
MA
Academisch Medisch Centrum, afd. Gynaecologie en Verloskunde, Amsterdam.
D005197:Famous Persons; D005260:Female; D049670:History, 17th Century; D006801:Humans; D008512:Medicine in the Arts; D009426:Netherlands; D010151:Paintings / Q000266:history*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011258:Pregnancy Tests / Q000266:history*