Twelve Keys of Basil Valentine, 17th Century


An image from the 'Twelve Keys of Basil Valentine' which is recognised as one of the most important and influential of alchemical works. It was first published in 1599 as a text only piece but achieved its widest distribution as part of a compendium the Tripus Aureus (Golden Tripod) edited by Michael Maier and published by Lucas Jennis at Frankfurt in 1618. This was later included in the more massive compendium Musaeum Hermeticum in 1625. A winged man wearing a crown and holding two caducei is approached from either side by a man, one holding a sword with single serpent ( staff of Aesculapius) and the other, a sword with a cock (symbol associated with Aesculapius).


Size: 4200px × 3173px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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