Manierista fiammingo di inizio Seicento

Flemish Mannerist painter (Early 17th century) Portrait of Geber (Arab alchemist who lived in the 8th century) Oil on panel 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 Romanus (link) The painting portrays an alchemist, an ancient figure who has always carried charm and mystery due to his perfect blend of science and esotericism, who aimed to conquer omniscience, or the maximum 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 performing 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 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. His figure is associated here with the white swan, majestic and serene, a symbolic animal for alchemy, since in the candor and shape of the animal the alchemists found both solar light, synonymous with masculine nature, and lunar light, an 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 incessant search for truth and wisdom, a journey that weaves through the mysteries of the universe. The subject is inspired by the frontispiece print of the alchemical treatise 'Basilica chymica' (1608) by Oswald Croll (Wetter, 1560 – Prague, 1609), a German alchemist and physician of Emperor Rudolf II, which depicts the most famous alchemists in history, and arcane formulas inserted into 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 descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care of 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 in 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/