Splendor Solis

About this book

A king stands in a bath, celestial bodies hover over earthly scenes and alchemical colours transform ordinary objects into emblems. Splendor Solis tells its secrets through images that seem designed to be studied for a lifetime.

Associated with the mysterious name Solomon Trismosin, this celebrated alchemical work combines allegorical pictures with writing on transformation and the philosopher's stone. The edition includes interpretive notes on symbols such as the Red Lion. The plates tell much of the story themselves, with details that reward careful comparison across the whole sequence.