Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

History of Medicine

About   |  Collections   |  Exhibitions   |  Research Tools   |  Copyright   |  Get Involved   |  Visit   |  Contact

Perez on Medicine in cream lettering on a dark green background.

The Obstetrician

Doctor examining woman in a delivery room with storks flying in the background. Copyright: This image may not be saved locally, modified, reproduced, or distributed by any other means without the written permission of the copyright owners.

The Obstetrican by Jose Perez
(Oil on Canvas, 24 in x 30 in, 61.5 cm x 77 cm)

Copyright: This image may not be saved locally, modified, reproduced, or distributed by any other means without the written permission of the copyright owners.


Perez based this work on the supposition that an unborn baby inside its mother's womb can hear everything that's going on outside. If this is true, this baby was well-informed. Note that he offers a flag of surrender to the doctor, but, just in case things don't go well, he is prepared to fight him with a pop gun!

The instruments and toys of war that reflect our violent society form a striking contrast to the peaceful presence of the chicks and doves. The new mother, attended by little cherubs, seems to be blissfully preoccupied -- perhaps with reading the latest advice on raising children successfully. The pregnant black girl patiently waits behind the doctor, her status revealed by her diminutive size. Notice the body language of the nurse. While she is only assisting, it looks as if she could take over as a midwife at a minute's notice.

What is the doctor handing the newborn -- a bill, a card for his next appointment, or an official ID card welcoming him into the human race?


Last Reviewed: May 11, 2012