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Concept

Four elements (Philosophy)

Images

  • Cybele, Bacchus, Ceres and Flora on a chariot drawn by lions surrounded by all forms of natural abundance and cherubs, symbolising the element earth. Engraving by E. Baudet, 1695, after F. Albani.
  • Three-tiered symbolic diagram of the art of alchemy: top level, symbols of the states of matter; middle level, cabalistic diagrams; lower level, the two techniques of alchemy: distillation and calcination. Engraving by R. Custos, 1616.
  • An alchemical adept carrying the vase of Hermes, which is inscribed "Let us go to seek the nature of the four elements". Watercolour painting by E.A. Ibbs.
  • A young woman, perhaps Prudentia, warns an alchemist of the dangers of abusing fire: in the background fires rage in buildings and mines. Engraving by C. de Passe after M. de Vos, 16th century.
  • A young woman, perhaps Prudentia, warns an alchemist of the dangers of abusing fire: in the background fires rage in buildings and mines. Engraving by C. de Passe after M. de Vos, 16th century.
All images (22)

Catalogue

    • Pictures
    • Online

    Vulcan in his forge with Jupiter throwing bolts of lightning, Venus in the sky above: symbolising the element fire. Engraving by E. Baudet, 1695, after F. Albani.

    Albani, Francesco, 1578-1660. | Date: 1695 | Reference: 23618i
    • Pictures
    • Online

    The four qualities, elements, humours and temperaments. Drawing, 19--.

    | Date: 1900-1999 | Reference: 566786i
    • Pictures
    • Online

    Four phases of the Earth's rotation around the sun showing the seasons, with allegories of the four elements. Engraving, 1750.

    | Date: [1750] | Reference: 46592i
    • Pictures

    Three-tiered symbolic diagram of the art of alchemy: top level, symbols of the states of matter; middle level, cabalistic diagrams; lower level, the two techniques of alchemy: distillation and calcination. Engraving by R. Custos, 1616.

    | Date: 1616 | Reference: 35413i
    • Pictures
    • Online

    Juno in a chariot drawn by two peacocks flying through the sky surrounded by nymphs and cherubs, Jupiter on the ground trying to lock up a group of putti: symbolising the element air. Engraving by E. Baudet, 1695, after F. Albani.

    Albani, Francesco, 1578-1660. | Date: 1695 | Reference: 23639i
All works (21)

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