Portrait of the alchemist Geber, Flemish Mannerist painter 17th century

Flemish Mannerist painter (Early 17th century)

Portrait of Geber (Arab alchemist who lived in the 8th century)

Oil on the table
41 x 33 cm. – In antique frame 51 x 43 cm.

The work belongs to a series of three paintings, together with the portraits of the alchemists Hermes Trismegistus (link) and Morienus Romano (link)

The painting portrays an alchemist, an ancient figure who has always been a bearer of fascination and mystery for his perfect blend of science and esotericism, who aimed to conquer omniscience, or the maximum of knowledge in all fields of knowledge. Among the great objectives of alchemy was the search for the elixir of eternal life or the transformation of poor metals into gold, a practice that was believed to be achievable through the "philosopher's stone".

The alchemist, therefore, with his secret practices and knowledge, is a figure described as being on the border between scholar and magician, capable of performing extraordinary transformations, well represented here by a Mannerist painter, presumably Flemish, active between the 16th and 17th centuries.

In our case, in particular, it is the portrait of Geber (Jabir ibn Hayyan), born in 722 AD, a legendary figure known as the greatest medieval Islamic alchemist, and considered the founder of Persian alchemy and modern chemistry, who had the merit of transforming it from a practice linked to magic to an empirical one, very similar to modern chemistry.

Her figure is here compared to the white swan, majestic and serene, a symbolic animal for alchemy, since in the candor and shape of the animal the alchemists found both the sunlight, synonymous with the male nature, and the moonlight, image of femininity.

The interaction between the alchemist and the swan represents a powerful symbol of balance and harmony between science and nature, while the parchment represents the relentless search for truth and wisdom, a journey that winds through the mysteries of the universe.

The subject is inspired by the print of the frontispiece of the alchemical treatise 'Basilica chymica' (1608) by Oswald Croll (Wetter, 1560 – Prague, 1609), German alchemist and physician to the emperor Rudolf II, which depicts the most famous alchemists in history, and arcane formulas inserted in geometric symbols.

Detail of the cover of the alchemical treatise 'Basilica chymica' (1608) written by Oswald Croll (Wetter, 1560 – Prague, 1609) – see photo in details: https://pt.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficheiro:Hermes_Trismegistus_illustration_Wellcome_L0016507.jpg

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold complete with an antique frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.

We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

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