mixed media alchemical art
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In alchemy things in threes tend to symbolize the three alchemical elements (Sulphur, Salt, Mercury) as well as the Christian trinity of God. This esoteric image depicts a three-headed eagle astride a globe in which is represented three winds over the sea.
Size: 2″ x 2″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, gold pigment on canvas.
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In all fables we are told that the Salamander is born in fire. It dwells in a great mountain which is encompassed by many flames. And as one of these is ever smaller than another, herein the Salamander bathes. The third is greater, the fourth brighter than the rest. In all these the Salamander washes, and is purified. Then he ties him to his cave, but on the way is caught and pierced so that it dies, and yields up its life with its blood. But this, too, happens for its good: For from its blood it wins immortal life, and then death has no more power over it. Its blood is the most precious Medicine upon earth, the same has not its like in the world. For this blood drives away all disease. From it the Sages derive their science, and through it they attain the Heavenly Gift, which is called the Philosopher’s Stone . – The Book of Lambspring
Size: 2.5″ x 3.5″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, and gold pigment on canvas.
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Hard is the stone, but harder still
The delicate preforming will
That guided by a dream alone,
Subdues and moulds the hardest stone,
Making the stubborn jade release
The emblem of eternal peace.
If but the will be firmly bent,
No stuff resists the mind’s intent;
The adamant abets his skill
And sternly aids the artist’s will
To clothe in perdurable pride
Beauty his transient eyes descried.
-Oliver St. John Gogarty, “The Image-maker”
Size: 2.5″ x 3.5″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, and gold pigment on canvas.
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This emblem, said to originate from a gnostic signet ring, shows abundant alchemical symbolism representing completion of the transmutation of base matter. The red lion, which is the philosopher’s sulfur, is joined to the serpent, the philosopher’s mercury. This resulting living being is crowned with a halo which tells us that it has become gold. The sun and moon represent light and darkness, truth and dream, in balance.
Size: 2″ x 2″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, and gold pigment on canvas.
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The self-devouring serpent, symbolizing the universe (without beginning or end) rests atop an inverted pyramid representing the hierarchy of planets. The golden key if acquired grants access to the mysteries of the heavens.
Size: 2.5″ x 3.5″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, gold leaf, and gold pigment on canvas.
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