Astrology, Magic, and Alchemy in Art (A Guide to Imagery)

The work, based on efforts of the J. Paul Getty Museum, addresses some of the symbolism concerning areas of Astrology, Magic and Alchemy without touching on Religion. This may have been reasonable for purposes of averting criticism from the current religious orthodoxy.Within the context of its circumscribed purpose, the work is very helpful. What it does not clearly touch on is the extent to which Alchemy was a Science of the time, perhaps the precursor to modern Chemistry, but definitely what would be considered Science today. The fact that we do not perceive it in this manner now is irrelevant to the past usage. The really interesting thing about this topic was that Alchemy was also a part of the Religion of the time. The ability to turn a base metal into gold was akin to the ability to take a tarnished soul and have it salvaged. Pursuit of perfection was achievable, at least before more strict forms of Protestantism were imposed.The religious overtones that may have been present for such notables as Rudolph II (Hapsburg) and Isaac Newton are not addressed here, though that is a minor point.As such, Alchemy could take on the rather interesting connotation of a crossroads where Science and Religion mixed. This is again somewhat confusing for a 21st Century reader. Yet, considering that Oxford, Cambridge and most other Universities of the Middle Ages and Renaissance Europe were institutions staffed virtually exclusively by those within the established religious orders of the country, it was the established norm of the time. While we now find Science and Religion in conflict, it was the exception, if not the perversion of practice, that Science and Religion had any lack of concordance. This context is worth elucidation.I would have preferred if this context were addressed to some degree.

If you're familiar with the book series, and you want this subject, just buy it. The only complaint I might have for the series is the repeated same art pieces for different uses in each example. Also that the identification arrows/lines don't often address the most interesting and provocative aspects of any particular example painting.But still, there's nothing quite like this series of art examination books on the market as far as my limited knowledge really knows. My only critique would be "BIGGER!" but that would be a whole methodological restructuring on the part of the printers.

Nice pictures, interesting explanations, many examples. Fun to read and a good start to understand the symbols of the unknown through the ages, and how they were hiden and perpetuated thru art. Too European. After this book we need the "origins" in Africa, India, the silks of China, the japanese prints. The book lacks the Americas now and then. Xul Solar the Master of astrology and esoterism in art in the XXth century (better than Klee and Kandinsky) is not even named. Still a good book and important to have for consultation.

I believe these series of books are one of the greatest iconographic dictionaries!Having said that, I believe anyone who uses them should consider that they are only a tool, and not a sole bibliographic source.

Great series of books for quick easy reference. Images w/simplified annotations around them. I love this series!

There are some pretty interesting pieces of art in this book. It's a great conversation starter, mostly because sometimes you see the correlation to the occult, and sometimes you really have to look for it.

yes indeed full of images and guides. to find this type of book is rare. the art is not repetitive taken from other books and the book is divided into sections for each subject.

I bought the French translation of this book from Amazon.fr iwhen it was issued in 2004. Like other volumes in n Electa's Dizionari dell'Arte series, it is beautifully designed but also well written. Each of the three sections is divided into subsections, and they into short entries covering two or four pages with separate titles and lots of marginal notes on the art works reproduced by way of illustration. This English edition (2007) is printed in Hong Kong on glossy but thinner paper than the French, which was printed in Spain.

not teh best of the series, and many of the pictures used to illustrate the themes are also in other books in the series, but it is still a lovely book

Wanted a reference book for the above subject. Have always been interested in the above subject and this book provides the very basic information I wanted. Adequate.

Great book, really helpful.

Such an amazing book. Fast delivery. Thank you 🌷

impeccable