The Amphitheatre of Eternal Wisdom, Hanau Germany, 1604
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This masterpiece of alchemical art was designed by the 17th century theosophist, cabalist and Hermetic mystic Heinrich Khunrath. The woodcut depicts a formal alchemical laboratory. For interpretative purposes we can divide the image into two major sections. On the left is the oratory (a meditative enclosure) where we see a kneeling alchemist beneath a tent. A tent provides temporary housing and the suggestion here is that the alchemist is on his way through prayer and meditation toward achieving enlightenment (as symbolized by the more permanent temple in the distance and beyond that the door to eternal wisdom). The tabernacle is inscribed with the words: "Happy the one who follows the advice of the Lord," "When we attend strictly to our work God himself will help us" and "Do not speak of God without enlightenment." The words written within the plume of smoke are: "Prayer ascends like smoke a sacrifice acceptable to God." Smoke, of course, refers to a transmutation process of changing solid matter into a gaseous substance. On the right is a working laboratory replete with an oven (athanor) and on the mantle above many jars containing ingredients to be used in the cooking. The labels reveal their contents: Hyle (primordial matter), Ros celi (dew of the sky), gold potab (potable gold), Azoth (Sophic Mercury) and Sanguis draconis (dragon's blood). The two supporting pillars are inscribed with the words "reason" and "experience" (on the column in the foreground). Written on the athanor is a caution to "Hasten gently." In the center foreground of the picture are many musical instruments on a table. The words, "Sacred music causes flight to sadness and evil spirits because the spirit of Jehovah sings happily in the heart with holy joy" are written across the hanging tablecloth. Behind the table is the alchemist's chair and directly above the table is a seven-pointed, star-like lamp that indicates the seven alchemical operations. Finally, above the open doorway is the inscription, "While sleeping, watch!" In other words, alchemical work involves use of the conscious as well as unconscious operations. In all, Khunrath's diagram describes many prayers and recipes needed to successfully do the work of the spiritual, psychological and physical work of alchemy. He accomplishes this feat in an elegant, beautiful woodcut that truly inspires with its economy of word and image, use of severe perspective and transcendent symbolism. |
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