3-057-255 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Alchemical process, 1582. Aeson, (with the dove of the Holy Spirit on his head?), is rejuvenated by having his blood replaced by magic juices in a boiling vat; representing the process of self-destruction in order to attain the elixir of life. An alchemist or a servant is fanning the fire under the tub with a pair of bellows. The scene takes place within a courtyard decorated with ornate marble columns, borders decorated with birds and flowers. Possibly an illustration of the Seventh Parable. This is a miniature from "Splendor solis" (The Splendour of the sun), showing a stage in the alchemical process which draws on visual representations of the Baptism of Jesus.