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Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556

Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)

Germany — 1556

On the creation of the philosopher's stone and and one's own transformation: the oldest and perhaps most beautiful surviving manuscript of alchemical poetry by the cryptic northern German author Lambspring

  1. Lambspring is the cryptic, Low German author of the influential alchemical treatise consisting of 15 short didactic poems

  2. The oldest surviving manuscript is illuminated with 15 round, colored emblems that visualize the allegorical poems

  3. The work became a bestseller of 17th century alchemy literature and continued to influence numerous esotericists in the 19th century

Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556

Ms P 2177 Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zurich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
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Description
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556

The Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556, also known as the Book of Lambspring, was written in the 16th century by a nobleman or noblewoman from the Low German region, who refers to themselves as “Lambspring” in the epilogue. Beyond that, the identity of the author remains a mystery to this day, even though the treatise was to have a considerable influence on 17th century alchemical literature and still inspired esotericists in the 19th century. The oldest surviving manuscript is now kept in the Zurich Central Library and contains 15 allegorical didactic poems and 15 round, richly colored emblems. These translate the mystical content of the verses into captivating images and make this copy particularly appealing. While the first nine poems deal with the creation of the legendary philosopher's stone, the last five poems comprise an allegorical narrative about an old king, his son, and a spiritual leader, which deals with personal transformation. An artistic insight into the mystical world of the early modern period!

Codicology

Alternative Titles
Alchemistisches Lehrgedicht von 1556
Alchimie 1556
Book of Lambspring
Buch Lambspring
Size / Format
34 pages / 24.0 × 18.0 cm
Origin
Germany
Date
1556
Illustrations
15 minitures of allegorical symbols
Content
Alchemical treatise
Patron
Hermann Marsow (gest. 1555)
Artist / School
Previous Owners
Hermann Lavater-Wegmann
Available facsimile editions:
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
#1 Alchemistisches Lehrgedicht
Limited Edition: 999 copies
Facsimile Editions

#1 Alchemistisches Lehrgedicht

Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland)
Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556 – – Ms P 2177 – Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles

Limited Edition: 999 copies
Binding: Navy blue leather binding with gold tooling
Facsimile Copy Available!
Price Category: €€
(1,000€ - 3,000€)
Inquire current price here or ask a different question
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