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The Eighth Key of Basil Valentine, from Von dem grossen Stein Uhralten by Basil Valentine, Strasbourg, 1651 (engraving)
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The Eighth Key of Basil Valentine, from Von dem grossen Stein Uhralten by Basil Valentine, Strasbourg, 1651 (engraving)
535609 The Eighth Key of Basil Valentine, from Von dem grossen Stein Uhralten by Basil Valentine, Strasbourg, 1651 (engraving) by Merian, Mattaus the Younger (1621-87); Private Collection; (add.info.: Basilius Valentinus was alleged to be a 15th-century alchemist, possibly Canon of the Benedictine Priory of Saint Peter in Erfurt, Germany.
In a walled enclosure, two seated men with crossbows aim at a square target with a circular bulls-eye, and a key atop it. Seven arrows have hit the target. Between these two men are four small roofed crosses and an open grave in which a man or resurrected corpse is standing with his hands uplifted. On the left of the grave, corn is sprouting. In the foreground a corpse lies on a ploughed field, grain beneath its head. On the left, a man is scattering grain. Behind the man four birds are eating the grain. Below the corpse is a cross. To the right stands a winged angel holding a scepter in its left hand, and blowing a trumpet held in its right hand.); Universal History Archive/UIG
Media ID 25472078
© Universal History Archive/UIG / Bridgeman Images
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This engraving, titled "The Eighth Key of Basil Valentine" transports us to the mystical world of alchemy in 17th-century Strasbourg. Created by the talented artist Mattaus Merian the Younger, this print is a visual representation of an ancient text called Von dem grossen Stein Uhralten by Basil Valentine. Intriguingly, Basil Valentine was believed to be an enigmatic figure from the 15th century, possibly serving as Canon of the Benedictine Priory of Saint Peter in Erfurt, Germany. The image depicts a walled enclosure where two men sit with crossbows aimed at a square target adorned with a circular bulls-eye and a key on top. Seven arrows have successfully struck their mark. Amidst this scene lies symbolism that adds layers to its meaning. A resurrected corpse or man stands within an open grave while four small roofed crosses surround him. On one side, corn sprouts near the grave while a lifeless body rests on ploughed fields with grain beneath its head. Further enhancing the mysticism are four birds feasting upon scattered grain behind another man who sows it. Below lies a cross and standing opposite is a winged angel holding both scepter and trumpet. This intricate engraving invites contemplation into themes such as life and death, resurrection and decay, creation and destruction - all elements intricately woven together through rich symbolism captured by Merian's skilled hand.
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