Allegory Gallery

Alchemical tree, Philosophia reformata

The Alchemical Tree. Engraving depicting a tree surrounded by figures used in allegory by alchemists. The tree itself carries symbols representing the Moon, Sun and five planets. Around it are discs carrying symbols such as various birds, a unicorn and a body rising from a grave, showing the stages of life. This engraving comes from Philosophia reformata by Johann Daniel Mylius, printed at Frankfurt in 1622, but is a reworking of emblems created by Valentine for his series called Azoth

© Todd-White Art Photography

A Jaipur Allegory

Look Out, The Elephant's Coming! An artist's impression of the dominant Jaipur Polo team. Having won the Indian Polo Association Championship in December 1932, the team were victorious in six consecutive tournaments, including the Hurlingham Championship in England. From left, the Jaipur team shown are Raj Kumar Prithi Singh, Rao Rajah Abhai Singh, Rao Rajah Hanut Singh and H.H. The Maharajah of Jaipur. Other figures included in the illustration are, from left, Captain Pat Roark, Colonel Vivian Lockett (the umpire), Captain Maurice Kingscote and Mr H.P.Guinness

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10428226

Alchemy

Alchemy. Historical artwork by the German artist Albrecht Durer (1471-1528) titled Melencolia I. It represents one of the four temperaments or humours, and it is thought that its title (ending in I) implies that Durer intended to draw the other three. Many of the artifacts seen, such as the mathematical "magic" square (upper right), balance (upper centre) and geometric shapes (far & lower left) are associated with alchemy. Alchemy was the pseudo-scientific predecessor to chemistry, which among other ideas is best known for its practitioners hunt for the Philosopher's Stone, which would impart eternal life and the ability to turn base metals into gold

© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY