Ashmole Collection

Elias Ashmole
ELIAS ASHMOLE Antiquary (Ashmolean Museum) and astrologer

Alchemical symbolism: toad and serpent represent two basic types of element, fixed and earthy (toad) and the volatile (serpent). Flying eagle represents Sublimation

Thomas Nortons laboratory, c1477 (1652). Engraving after a manuscript in the British Museum, London, which is probably the earliest illustration of a balance in a glass case

The four great alchemists. 1652 (engraving From Elias Ashmole Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum London)
541724 The four great alchemists. 1652 (engraving From Elias Ashmole Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum London); (add.info.: From left to right)

Great alchemists inspire work in the laboratory from Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum
2906506 Great alchemists inspire work in the laboratory from Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum, 1652 (engraving) by Vaughan, Robert (fl.1622-78); Private Collection; (add.info.: Geberus)

Illustration from Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum by Elias Ashmole
486490 Illustration from Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum by Elias Ashmole, first published in 1652 (engraving) by English School

Thomas Norton presenting his Ordinall to Edward IV from Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum
2906507 Thomas Norton presenting his Ordinall to Edward IV from Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum, 1652 (engraving) by Vaughan

The Hierarchy of the Church, from Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum
472236 The Hierarchy of the Church, from Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum by Elias Ashmole, 1652 (engraving) by Vaughan, Robert (fl.1622-78); Private Collection; (add.info.: God is shown at the head)

Ashmole, (1617-1692), 1830. Creator: Unknown
Ashmole, (1617-1692), 1830. Elias Ashmole (1617-1692) English antiquary, politician, officer of arms, astrologer and student of alchemy, a royalist during the English Civil War

The Trumpet, afterwards the Duke of York, Shire Lane, 1778. Elias Ashmoles House, (1897). Two London buildings: the Trumpet Public House (above), later the Duke of York, in Shire Lane, the Strand

Elias Ashmole, 1617 To 1692. English Antiquary, Politician, Officer Of Arms, Astrologer And Student Of Alchemy. From The Book Crabbes Historical Dictionary Published 1825

Alchemical symbol of transmutation of base metal (Earth at bottom) into Gold (Sun) and Silver (Moon) through the agency of the dragon (Mercury - volatility)

John Tradescants House at Kennington, c1883, (1912). Artist: Elias Ashmole
John Tradescants House at Kennington, c1883, (1912).The Musaeum Tradescantianum was the first museum open to the public to be established in England

Title page of Elias Ashmoles Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum, 1652. Isaac Newton owned a copy of this book. Ashmole (1619-1692)

Alchemical laboratory showing various forms of furnace and vessels, 1652. From Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum by Elias Ashmole. (London, 1652)

The four great alchemists, 1652. Artist: Robert Vaughan
The four great alchemists, 1652. From left to right: Al-Jabir (Geber, 14th century Spanish); Arnald or Arnold of Villanova (Spanish, c1240-c1310); Rhazes (Abu Bakr Abu Bakr al-Razi)

Alchemical symbolism, 1652. A toad and serpent representing two basic types of element; fixed and earthy (toad) and the volatile (serpent). The flying eagle represents sublimation

Alchemical symbol representing the transmutation of base metal into silver and gold, 1652. The transmutation of base metal (Earth at bottom) into gold (Sun) and silver (Moon)

Hierarchy of the Church, 1652. Artist: Robert Vaughan
Hierarchy of the Church, 1652. God at the head, the Pope below flanked by angels, kings, priests and laity, with demons falling into the flames of Hell below

Tradescant Home
The home of the TRADESCANT family, and later Ashmole, in south Lambeth, London. Date: 17th century

Tradescant home - 2
The home of the TRADESCANT family, and later Ashmole, in south Lambeth, London. Date: 17th century

Grand Procession of the Sovereign and the Knights of the Garter at Windsor, 1672
XJF322591 Grand Procession of the Sovereign and the Knights of the Garter at Windsor, 1672 (engraving) by Hollar, Wenceslaus (1607-77); Private Collection; (add.info)

Garter Feast in St. Georges Hall, Windsor, in the time of Charles II, 1672
XJF322592 Garter Feast in St. Georges Hall, Windsor, in the time of Charles II, 1672 (engraving) by Hollar, Wenceslaus (1607-77); Private Collection; (add.info)

Hierarchy of the Church, with God at the head, the Pope below flanked by angels, kings, priests and laity, with demons falling into the flames of Hell below

Title page of Elias Ashmoles Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum London 1652. Isaac Newton owned a copy of this book

Alchemical laboratory showing various forms of furnace and vessels. From Elias Ashmole Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum London 1652

The four great alchemists. From left to right: Al-Jabir (Geber 14th century Spanish) Arnald or Arnold of Villanova (French c1240-c1310) Rhazes (Abu Bakr al-Razi)

Thomas Nortons (fl1477) laboratory. Engraving after manuscript in British Museum, London, which is probably earliest illustration of balance in glass case

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

Ashmole, a name that resonates with the legacy of Elias Ashmole, one of the great alchemists who inspired countless works in the laboratory. His contributions to the field are immortalized in Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum, a masterpiece that delves into the secrets and wonders of alchemy. The illustrations from this remarkable work transport us back in time, showcasing Thomas Norton presenting his Ordinall to Edward IV. We witness the intricate details of The Hierarchy of the Church, revealing Ashmole's deep understanding and exploration of spiritual elements within alchemy. Elias Ashmole himself was an enigmatic figure whose life spanned from 1617 to 1692. Despite his mysterious nature, we catch glimpses into his world through various depictions such as The Trumpet (later known as Duke of York), Shire Lane - a place where he resided in 1778. Another intriguing insight is John Tradescants House at Kennington captured by none other than Elias Ashmole himself in 1883. One cannot overlook the significance of Ashmoles' magnum opus - Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum - its title page drawing us further into its enchanting contents. Within these pages lies a treasure trove for alchemical enthusiasts; an Alchemical laboratory displaying diverse forms of furnaces and vessels meticulously designed for transformative experiments. The four great alchemists depicted within this extraordinary book stand as pillars representing centuries-long wisdom passed down through generations. Their knowledge transcends time and space, guiding aspiring seekers on their own paths towards enlightenment. Lastly, we catch sight of Thomas Nortons laboratory dating back to c1477 but beautifully illustrated within this timeless piece published in 1652. It serves as a reminder that even ancient practices can find relevance and inspiration amidst modernity.