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Original fileThe Coronation of the Virgin (Rosarium philosophorum)
Fig.19
About This Work
This woodcut shows a traditional Christian Coronation of the Virgin composition repurposed for an alchemical context. On the left, a bearded, crowned figure holding an orb represents God the Father; on the right, Christ holds a scepter. In the center, Mary stands with hands clasped in prayer. A dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, hovers directly above her head. The scene is framed by a decorative arch and banners containing text.
This image is taken from the 'Rosarium philosophorum' (1550), an influential alchemical treatise where Christian iconographic motifs are used as allegories for the chemical marriage of opposites (Sol and Luna) and the transmutation of matter into the Philosopher's Stone.
Inscriptions(Latin)
Et non est alius nisi ego Spiritus sanctus Filius Figura 19 A Sinistra CUIUS VERA MATER SOL EST ET VERA LUNA ET EX PATRE FILIUS ET FILIUS EST LUNS. (Il padre è la sole e il sole è la madre di Luns. E il figlio è il figlio. E il figlio provvige dal padre.) A destra DRACO NON MORITUR ABSQUE FRATRE ET SORORE SUI ET NON MUMU MUTUAT SED PER AMBOSIMUL (Il drago non muore senza suo fratello e sua sorella. E non per uno soltanto ma per ambedue insieme) Al centro TRIA UNUM (The three are one)
Translation
And there is no other but me. Holy Spirit. Son. Figure 19. Left: Whose true mother is the Sun and the true Moon. And from the Father is the Son and the Son is the Moon. Right: The dragon does not die without its brother and sister. And not by one alone but through both together. Center: Three are one.
Connected Texts
Rosarium philosophorum
This image is a standard plate illustrating the union of principles in the alchemical work.