[The human face of medicine--the visual art]

This article discusses the role of art in medicine on the background of experience with art lectures for medical students and courses and exhibitions for doctors. From the last half of the 19th century, Norwegian artists have taken an interest in medical themes. Their paintings are an important contribution to medical history in Norway; more generally, they contribute to our understanding of the development of Norwegian society. Visual art is an important element in the decoration of hospitals. The works on display in the new National Hospital buildings in Oslo show how art may successfully be used in indoor as well as outdoor areas. It is important to let artists in on the planning process prior to the building of a new hospital.