Pittore manierista fiammingo

Flemish Mannerist painter - Early 17th century Portrait of Morieno Romano (Christian alchemist who lived in the 7th century) Oil on panel 41 x 43 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 Geber (link) The painting portrays an alchemist, an ancient figure who has always been a source of fascination and mystery for his perfect combination of science and esotericism, who aimed to conquer omniscience, that is, 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 base 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 on the border between scholar and magician, capable of carrying out extraordinary transformations, well represented here by a Mannerist painter, presumably Flemish, active between the 16th and 17th centuries. In our case, it is, in particular, the portrait of Morieno Romano, one of the great alchemists in history, a legendary Christian hermit who lived at the end of the 7th century, presumably in the mountains near Jerusalem, considered the heir to the knowledge of Hermes Trismegistus. His alchemical treatise entitled "Liber de Compositione Alchimiae" is very famous, containing a dialogue between Morieno and the Arab prince Khalid Ibn Yazid, later printed in Paris in 1559, with the title "De Transfiguratione Metallorum". This text marks the beginning of Western studies on Alchemy, which was previously largely unknown in Central Europe. Legend says that Morieno stole the secret of the Philosopher's Stone from Prince Khalid, probably a fictional story to demonstrate the priority of Christian scholars over Muslim scholars in regards to alchemy. The alchemist, dressed in a dark tunic and a long beard, holds a rolled parchment in his hand, which symbolizes his incessant search for truth and wisdom, a journey that winds through the mysteries of the universe, on which we can only imagine that alchemical symbols and secret formulas are written. Pictured as a mature man, with an intense and focused gaze, as if he were deciphering an ancient mystery. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is sold complete with an antique frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic sheet. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. If you wish to see this or other works in person, we will be happy to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, in Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We are waiting for you! Contact us for any information or to organize a visit, we will be happy to answer you. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/