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
Type/Technique
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Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed stores