Emblem representing the path to the philosopher's stone in alchemy. Etching by Defehrt, 1768, after L.-J. Goussier, after the frontispiece to a 17th century book by Libavius.

  • Goussier, Louis-Jacques, 1722-1799.
Date:
[1768]
Reference:
37240i
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Description

Two atlantes balance the globe upon their backs; underneath a hydra breathes fire upon it. The first level of the globe shows Hermes harnessing a griffin and a lion with chains. The next level shows a face, a lion, and a triple-headed swan (?) breathing air; the next shows eagles swimming up to an island; above which, in the clouds, an eagle floats, swallowing its own tail. Above, an atlante and a caryatid hold spheres containing suns and moons respectively. Above this is a circle containing a king and queen harnessing a lion and eagle respectively. A phoenix in a wreath of clouds and other birds crowns the whole hierarchy

Publication/Creation

[Paris], [1768]

Physical description

1 print : etching with engraving ; platemark 36 x 23 cm

Lettering

Chymie. ; Goussier del. ; Defehrt fecit. Lettering within the print: Paradigma operis philiosophici E. Libavio

Reference

Wellcome Collection 37240i

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