Basil Valentine Collection

Birds fighting from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678 (engraving)
2906472 Birds fighting from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678 (engraving) by German School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Musaeum Hermeticum reformatum et amplificatum (Frankfurt)

An Alchemist
3586045 An Alchemist; (add.info.: Engraving titled An Alchemist which is possibly Basil Valentine (1394-1450) an alchemist

Basil Valentine
3586046 Basil Valentine; (add.info.: Portrait of Basil Valentine (1394-1450) an alchemist, author and possibly Canon of the Benedictine Priory of Saint Peter in Erfurt Dated 15th Century

Portrait of Basil Valentine. (engraving)
672811 Portrait of Basil Valentine. (engraving); (add.info.: Basil Valentine is the Anglicised version of the name Basilius Valentinus, who was allegedly a 15th-century alchemist)

Burning a salamander from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678 (engraving)
2906475 Burning a salamander from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678 (engraving) by German School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Musaeum Hermeticum reformatum et amplificatum (Frankfurt)

Philosopher herald from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678 (engraving)
2906471 Philosopher herald from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678 (engraving) by German School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Musaeum Hermeticum reformatum et amplificatum (Frankfurt)

King watches the rain through his window from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678 (engraving)
2906478 King watches the rain through his window from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678 (engraving) by German School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Spirit and soul guide the prince from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678 (engraving)
2906476 Spirit and soul guide the prince from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678 (engraving) by German School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Crowned King on throne from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678 (engraving)
2906474 Crowned King on throne from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678 (engraving) by German School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Musaeum Hermeticum reformatum et amplificatum (Frankfurt)

King and healthy spirit guide the prince from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678 (engraving)
2906473 King and healthy spirit guide the prince from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678 (engraving) by German School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

King overjoyed at princes return from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678 (engraving)
2906477 King overjoyed at princes return from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678 (engraving) by German School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Twelfth Key of Basil Valentine, 1651, illustrating that the Philosophers Stone must be combined with gold to produce new gold, just as a lion eats a serpent to change it into its own substance

The Hermetic Vessel, c1760. A hermetic vessel in the alchemical furnace. The serpent within the vase symbolises the earthy substances of which the Philosophers Stone is made

The Eleventh Key of Basil Valentine, legendary 15th century German monk and alchemist, 1651
The eleventh key of Basil Valentine, legendary 15th century German monk and alchemist, 1651. Symbolising multiplication, two lions represent sulphur consumed by mercury being transformed

The Sixth Key of Basil Valentine, legendary 15th century German monk and alchemist, 1651. The marriage of the alchemical king (gold) and queen (silver)

Symbols of the synthesis of the Great Work, 1678. 4 sides=4 elements. 3 serpents=tria prima (sulphur, salt, mercury). 2 circles=masculine and feminine properties

The Eighth Key of Basil Valentine, legendary 15th century German monk, 1651. Symbolising the purification of metals through death and resurrection

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"Basil Valentine: Unveiling the Mysteries of Alchemy and Philosophy" Step into the enchanting world of Basil Valentine, a legendary 15th-century German monk and alchemist whose profound wisdom continues to captivate seekers of knowledge even today. Through mesmerizing engravings from Musaeum Hermeticum, 1678, we embark on a journey that unveils his esoteric teachings. Intriguingly, one engraving depicts a salamander engulfed in flames—an emblematic symbol representing transformation and rebirth. It hints at Basil Valentine's belief in the alchemical process as a means to transmute base substances into pure gold, both physically and metaphorically. Another engraving portrays an awe-inspiring Philosopher Herald—a figure who heralds the pursuit of wisdom through introspection and self-discovery. This image serves as an invitation for us to delve deep within ourselves in search of hidden truths. As we gaze upon the King watching raindrops cascade down his windowpane, we are reminded of Basil Valentine's emphasis on observing nature's wonders. The natural world becomes a source of inspiration for understanding life's mysteries—a testament to his holistic approach towards philosophy. Guided by ethereal spirits and souls depicted alongside a prince in another engraving, Basil Valentine emphasizes the importance of spiritual guidance in our quest for enlightenment. These mystical beings serve as mentors leading us towards higher realms of consciousness. A regal presence is evident throughout these engravings—Basil Valentine himself portrayed as a crowned King seated upon his throne. This imagery reflects his authority over alchemical knowledge while reminding us that true power lies not only in external dominion but also within oneself. Amidst birds engaged in fierce battles depicted by yet another engraving, we learn about overcoming internal conflicts—the struggles between our desires and aspirations—and how they shape our personal growth along this transformative path paved by Basil Valentine.