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

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

The Unicorn is Killed and Brought to the Castle, c.1500 (wool warp with wool, silk

3469071 The Unicorn is Killed and Brought to the Castle, c.1500 (wool warp with wool, silk, silver, and gilt wefts) by Netherlandish School (16th century); 368.3 x 388.6 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA; (add.info.: Probably designed in Paris but woven in Brussels, The Unicorn Tapestries show the hunt of the mythical creature using imagery both secular and religious - the death of the unicorn an allegory for the crucifixion.
Thetapestries were looted from the chateau at Verteuil during the French Revolution.); Netherlandish, out of copyright

© Bridgeman Images