The Layer Quaternity The Layer Monument



philosophers stone alchemia (1606) andreas libavius


the 4 figurines of layer quaternity share number of iconographical details illustration found in alchemia (1606) german academic andreas libavius in chapter entitled de lapide philosophorum (the philosophers stone) including - identical pairing of lower mortal pair immortal pair of bare-legged male , draped female above them, shared titled captions of gloria , labor, along both monument , illustration depicting palm branch, sun, moon , rotundum.


symbolically, layer quaternity correspond alchemical deities of apollo, luna, mercurius , vulcan named in atalanta fugiens (1617) german alchemist-physician michael maier (emblem xvii).


collectively layer quaternity unique alchemical mandala. through polarized symbolism delineate essential coordinates associated mandala art, namely space (heaven , earth) , time (young , old). utilizing variety , multiplicity, key attributes of northern mannerist art, represent fundamental aspects of human condition, namely, gender, youth , age, pleasure , suffering. fifth, uniting symbol, skull, located @ centre of monument. skull commonest of momento mori symbols in funerary art. defined philosophical vessel (vas philosophorum) in renaissance-era alchemy.


the role of quaternity in religious symbolism discussed in depth in writings of swiss psychologist carl gustav jung. in essence, layer monument s 4 figurines represent spiritual entities agree jung s analytical psychology, psyche moves toward individuation in fours (made of pairs of opposites).








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