The Solidonius Manuscript. ... With an Introduction and facsimile coloured illustrations by Adam McLean.
Glasgow Scotland: Magnum Opus Hermetic Sourceworks, 2008. Limited Edition. Hardcover. Octavo. 60pp. Hand bound in series brown faux-leather with gilt titling to spine, medium-brown woodgrain patterned end-papers. 18 colour illustrations recreated by McLean, some b&w illustrations. Magnum Opus Hermetic Sourceworks series No. 35. Edition limited to 100 hand-numbered copies signed by Adam McLean, this being copy no. 39. Of the text, McLean says "The Solidonius series of eighteen watercolour emblems is an obscure alchemical work existing in at least sixteen manuscripts. It dates back to 1541, but the early version was rediscovered and reworked during the 18th century revival of interest in alchemical works in France. At the core of the emblem sequence is a strange meeting and merging of two figures. In other alchemical works, such as the Rosarium philosophorum, which is in fact contemporary with the early version of the Solidonius, this occurs through the figure of a hermaphrodite. Here we do have a meeting of male and female figures, but also a conjoining of two male figures. The idea being presented is the fusion of two polarised components. The work also incorporates the conventional sequence of alchemical colour changes. The text has been translated by Vincent Matley from the 18th century French version. It comments closely on the symbolism of the emblem sequence. The images have all been recreated in oil paintings by Adam McLean, which are facsimilies correcting the faded 18th century versions." Appears "as New", and thus in Fine condition. Item #74077
Price: $120.00