The Iconologia of Cesare Ripa was conceived as a guide to the symbolism in emblem books. It was very influential in the 17th century and went through a number of editions. There were 9 Italian editions -1593, 1603, 1611, 1613, 1618, 1625, 1630, 1645, 1764-7 and 8 non Italian editions in other languages, 1644 French, 1644 Dutch, 1699 Dutch, 1704 German, 1709 English, 1760 German, 1766 French and 1779 English. Both the text and the emblems included in these editions varies greatly, and later editions use Ripa's idea, rather than following his text. The text transcribed here by Rawn Clark is an extract taken from a manuscript in the British Library Ms. Add 23195. Although it does not contain alchemical material as such, it does provide keys to the allegorical symbolism used in the hermetic tradition.
Quote of the Day
“Our water demands everything from you; cook it gently, little by little in the putrefaction until it changes color to color, and becomes perfect; take good care in the beginning not to burn its greenness and its flowers, do not rush our work, take care that the vessel is well closed, lest the spirit which is there, does not evaporate, and with the help of God, be sure to succeed; nature does its work slowly, apply yourself well to imitate it, make serious reflections on the way in which bodies are generated in the bowels of the earth, by what fire they cook themselves, whether it is violent or gentle. ”
Georgius Aurach de Argentina
Donum Dei
Alchemical Books
Audio Books
Total visits