Music from 'Atalanta fugiens' emblem 2

Michael Maier's alchemical emblem book Atalanta fugiens was first published in Latin in 1617. It was a most amazing book as it incorporated 50 emblems with a motto, an epigram and a discourse, but extended the concept of an emblem book by incorporating 50 pieces of music the 'fugues' or canons. In this sense it was an early example of multimedia.

Back to alchemical music page.

Atalanta Fugiens

Emblem 2
His nurse is the earth

Epigram 2
Romulus is said to have been nursed at the coarse udders of a wolf,
But Jupiter to have been nursed by a goat, and these facts are said to be believed:
Should we then wonder if we assert
That the earth suckles the tender Child of the Philosophers with its milk?
If an insignificant animal nursed such great heroes,
Shall he not be great, who has the Terrestrial Globe as a nurse.

Alchemical imagery

Graphic signs for
substances and processes

Images of alchemical apparatus, from Greek, Arabic and European sources.

Alchemical emblematic
imagery from books and
manuscripts

Paintings on alchemical themes

Other material:
Enochian, Rosicrucian or Elemental Chess
Alchemical music [from Atalanta fugiens

Alchemical, astrological and
emblematic art prints

Alchemy and art

Art books Series

Study course on Bosch's
Garden of Earthly Delights
New Hieronymus Bosch Website