Twelve Keys of Basil Valentine, 17th Century

An image from the Twelve Keys of Basil Valentine which is recognised as one of the most important and influential of alchemical works. It was first published in 1599 as a text only piece but achieved its widest distribution as part of a compendium the Tripus Aureus (Golden Tripod) edited by Michael Maier and published by Lucas Jennis at Frankfurt in 1618. This was later included in the more massive compendium Musaeum Hermeticum in 1625. A winged man wearing a crown and holding two caducei is approached from either side by a man, one holding a sword with single serpent (i.e. staff of Aesculapius) and the other, a sword with a cock (symbol associated with Aesculapius)

Restrictions Only for Ireland and United Kingdom

1599 1618 1625 Aesculapius Alchemical Alchemist Alchemy Cock Hermes Keys Maier Mercury Serpent Symbolism Winged Woodblock

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