"Distillation on the Large Scale (c. 1500)" and "Sublimation: From Latin Edition of Geber's Work. Published at Berne in 1545." Two Drawings in Blue Ink on one page by Robert Lenkiewicz, after woodcuts from the 1500s. The drawing is undated, but was probably executed in the 1970s.
Two drawings in blue ink, drawn one above the other on a sheet of white paper. The size of the upper image is approx. 5 inches high x 5 1/2 inches wide, the lower image is 6 1/2 inches high x 6 inches wide. The size of the whole sheet on which they are drawn is 15 inches high x 10 3/4 inches wide. The upper work is titled underneath "Distillation on the Large Scale (c. 1500)" whilst the lower work is titled "Sublimation: From Latin Edition of Geber's Work. Published at Berne in 1545," both titles in capitals in Lenkiewicz's handwriting. Robert Oscar Lenkiewicz (1941 - 2002) was a renowned British artist, Hermeticist, and student of the alchemical arts, who was also well-known as an eccentric and book-collector. He was a regular visitor to the British Library and the British Museum, where he made careful sketches based on the illustrations and diagrams that were relevant to his studies that he found in rare alchemical manuscripts and books. This is one such drawing. It was kept by Lenkiewicz in a large folio entitled "On Alchemical Apparatus," and was evidently related to his personal researches into the subject, rather than being a "finished artwork" that was intended for exhibition or sale. As such it is not signed, although we do provide a guarantee and certificate of authenticity. There are two small holes punched in the extreme left margin, and a little light creasing and toning at the edges, a copule of small ink smudges - with one on the right edge seeming to preserve a part of Lenkiewicz's palm or finger print! Otherwise clean, VG condition. Please note that what looks like toning in the lower left quadrant is an artefact of the camera. The dawing will be sent rolled in a poster tube. Please note that it cannot be sent media mail so please select the priority mail option. Additional shipping may be requested dependent on destination. Item #70460
Price: $485.00