Science In The Middle Ages Collection

Alchemist in his workshop. Creator: Teniers, David, the Younger (1610-1690)
Alchemist in his workshop. Private Collection

Joseph Balsamo, comte de Cagliostro, before the Inquisition in Rome on April 14, 1791, 1791. Private Collection

Python (from: Alchemical and Rosicrucian Compendium), ca 1760. Artist: German master
Python (from: Alchemical and Rosicrucian Compendium), ca 1760. Found in the collection of the Yale University

An Alchemist. Found in the collection of Nationalmuseum Stockholm

A Zodiac Man diagram showing the seasons for bloodletting. From Liber Cosmographiae, 1408. Found in the collection of Trinity College Library, Cambridge

Liber Astrologiae. Private Collection

Joseph Balsamo, comte de Cagliostro, in his cabinet, creating an Homunculus. Private Collection

Alchemy and Astrology Taught in the Schools, 1882. Artist: Anonymous
Alchemy and Astrology Taught in the Schools, 1882. Private Collection

Nicolas Flamel (1330-1418). Artist: Anonymous
Nicolas Flamel (1330-1418). From a private collection

The Alchemist, 1558. Artist: Galle, Philipp (1537-1612)
The Alchemist, 1558. Found in the collection of the State A. Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow

Allegory of Astrology, 1490s. Artist: Pinturicchio, Bernardino (1454-1513)
Allegory of Astrology, 1490s. Found in the collection of the Appartamenti Borgia, Vatican

A scholar in his Study. Artist: Wyck, Thomas (ca. 1616-1677)
A scholar in his Study. Found in the collection of the Hallwylska Museet, Stockholm

The Alchemist, 1663. Artist: Bega, Cornelis Pietersz. (1631 / 2-1664)
The Alchemist, 1663. Found in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

Alchemical apparatus (From: Liber de secretis naturae), 1556-1557. Artist: Ulstadius (Ulstadt)
Alchemical apparatus (From: Liber de secretis naturae), 1556-1557. Found in the collection of the Yale University

De Alchimia opvscvla complvra vetervm philosophorum, 1550. Artist: Jacob, Cyriacus (active 1543-1550)
De Alchimia opvscvla complvra vetervm philosophorum, 1550. Found in the collection of the Yale University

Alchemical notebook, c. 1620. Artist: Grasshoff (Grasshof), Johann (1560-1623)
Alchemical notebook, c. 1620. Found in the collection of the Yale University

The Alchemist (after painting by David Teniers), Late 18th cent Artist: Peree, Jacques Louis (1769-1832)
The Alchemist (after painting by David Teniers), Late 18th cent.. From a private collection

An Alchemist, 1631-1640. Artist: Teniers, David, the Younger (1610-1690)
An Alchemist, 1631-1640. Found in the collection of the Museo del Prado, Madrid

Illustration for Tripvs avrevs, hoc est, Tres tractatvs chymici selectissimi 1618. Artist: Bry, Theodor de (1528-1598)
Illustration for Tripvs avrevs, hoc est, Tres tractatvs chymici selectissimi.. 1618. From a private collection

Theatrum chemicum Britannicum, 1652. Artist: Vaughan, Robert (c. 1600-before 1663)
Theatrum chemicum Britannicum, 1652. From a private collection

An Alchemist, 1661. Artist: Ostade, Adriaen Jansz, van (1610-1685)
An Alchemist, 1661. Found in the collection of the National Gallery, London

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"Unveiling the Mysteries: Science in the Middle Ages" Step into a world where science and mysticism intertwined, as depicted by German master Python in his alchemical and Rosicrucian compendium from ca 1760. The Middle Ages were an era of exploration, both scientific and spiritual. One figure who captured the imagination was Joseph Balsamo, comte de Cagliostro. Before facing the Inquisition in Rome on April 14, 1791, he delved into esoteric practices that fascinated many. His cabinet became a place of wonder as he sought to create an Homunculus – a miniature human with incredible powers. Alchemy played a significant role during this time. An anonymous artist's depiction of Nicolas Flamel (1330-1418), renowned for his alleged ability to turn base metals into gold, showcases the allure surrounding alchemists' pursuits. Astrology also held sway over medieval minds. Liber Astrologiae presented intricate Zodiac Man diagrams showing optimal seasons for bloodletting according to celestial alignments. This belief in cosmic influences extended beyond medical practices; it permeated various aspects of life. In fact, astrology and alchemy found their way into schools during this period. An anonymous artist's work from 1882 portrays classrooms where these mystical sciences were taught alongside more conventional subjects like mathematics or literature. Artists like Philipp Galle (1537-1612) and Bernardino Pinturicchio (1454-1513) captured the essence of this era through allegorical paintings depicting astrological symbolism or figures engaged in alchemical experiments. Yet amidst all these fantastical pursuits lay dedicated scholars seeking knowledge within their studies. Thomas Wyck's painting captures one such scholar engrossed in books and manuscripts—a testament to intellectual curiosity prevailing even amid mystical beliefs. Cornelis Pietersz Bega's artwork from 1663 presents another facet of medieval science.