The one image I eventually found of Alexis St. Martin as a whole young man is in a painting by Dean Cornwell entitled Beaumont and St. Martin-part of the Pioneers of American Medicine series commissioned in 1938 by Wyeth Laboratories for an ad campaign. Despite the unfortunate side-parted bob that St. Martin appeared to stick with all through his adult life, the man as Cornwell rendered him is striking: broad cheekbones, vertically plunging aquiline nose, and a firmly muscled, deeply tanned chest and arms. Beaumont is dashing but dandified. His hair is oddly waved and piled, like something squeezed from a cake decorator's bag.
Mary Roach's book "Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal" describes a painting by Dean Cornwell titled "Beaumont and St. Martin," depicting Alexis St. Martin as a young man. This artwork was created in 1938 as part of a campaign for Wyeth Laboratories. The painting captures St. Martin's striking features, including his strong cheekbones, a prominent nose, and a well-defined physique, all of which showcase his robust appearance.
In contrast, the portrayal of Beaumont appears somewhat flamboyant, with his unusually styled hair resembling decorations from a cake. This juxtaposition highlights not only their physical attributes but also the unique character of each man as they are presented in this historical context. The painting contributes to the legacy of these figures in American medical history.
