concept

Cybele, Bacchus, Ceres and Flora on a chariot drawn by lions surrounded by all forms of natural abundance and cherubs, symbolising the element earth. Engraving by E. Baudet, 1695, after F. Albani.

A young woman, perhaps Prudentia, warns an alchemist of the dangers of abusing fire: in the background fires rage in buildings and mines. Oil painting after Marten de Vos.

Three-tiered symbolic diagram of the art of alchemy: top level, symbols of the states of matter; middle level, cabalistic diagrams; lower level, the two techniques of alchemy: distillation and calcination. Engraving by R. Custos, 1616.

An alchemical adept carrying the vase of Hermes, which is inscribed "Let us go to seek the nature of the four elements". Watercolour painting by E.A. Ibbs.

A young woman, perhaps Prudentia, warns an alchemist of the dangers of abusing fire: in the background fires rage in buildings and mines. Engraving by C. de Passe after M. de Vos, 16th century.

Female figures representing the elements of air, earth and water. Etching by G. Vascellini after A. Fedi the elder after bas-relief in Florence.

Venus riding a scallop shell chariot over the seas accompanied by Neptune, nymphs and cherubs, symbolising the element water. Engraving by E. Baudet, 1695, after F. Albani.

A man made up out of chemical apparatus, symbols, and chemicals. Coloured lithograph.

Vulcan in his forge with Jupiter throwing bolts of lightning, Venus in the sky above: symbolising the element fire. Engraving by E. Baudet, 1695, after F. Albani.

The four qualities, elements, humours and temperaments. Drawing, 19--.

Four phases of the Earth's rotation around the sun showing the seasons, with allegories of the four elements. Engraving, 1750.

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Four elements (Philosophy)

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A young woman, perhaps Prudentia, warns an alchemist of the dangers of abusing fire: in the background fires rage in buildings and mines. Oil painting after Marten de Vos.

Vulcan in his forge with Jupiter throwing bolts of lightning, Venus in the sky above: symbolising the element fire. Engraving by E. Baudet, 1695, after F. Albani.

The four qualities, elements, humours and temperaments. Drawing, 19--.

Four phases of the Earth's rotation around the sun showing the seasons, with allegories of the four elements. Engraving, 1750.

Three-tiered symbolic diagram of the art of alchemy: top level, symbols of the states of matter; middle level, cabalistic diagrams; lower level, the two techniques of alchemy: distillation and calcination. Engraving by R. Custos, 1616.