New art collection

The Seals of the Philosophers

Opus Medico-Chymicum: tertius Basilica Philosophica

The seals of the philosophers...

is a set of emblems designed by Johannes Mylius in 1618

named for historical and mythical adepts and legends of alchemical lore...

containing complex symbolic emblems for the seeker to explore....

Redrawn here by Sasha Chaitow, in pen and ink on handmade paper...

About the emblems

This series of emblems comprises 160 separate images, deriving from Johannes Mylius’ vast compendium spanning over 3000 pages. Each emblem is dedicated to a historical or mythical figure of alchemical lore. The symbolism attributed to each may be the stuff of legend, but they tap the rich seam of 17th century alchemical art and literature that formed the basis for both spiritual development, and practical, medical and chemical discovery. Mylius’ mammoth work, the Opus medico-chymicum (illustrated with copperplate engravings by Matthew Merian and first printed by Lucas Jennis in 1618), has never been fully translated. It was reprinted and popularised by Daniel Stolcius in his Hortulus hermeticus (1627) at Jennis’ instigation, and many scholars mistakenly attribute the compendium to this edition, rather than to Mylius.

Minimally explored, little understood, yet rich with layered meaning, as she has done with other alchemical works, Sasha has now begun to delve into the depths, studying the emblems and their context with both her scholarly and artistic caps on.

The result is this new collection of images, so that lovers of alchemy, connoisseurs of emblematic art, and all those with an interest in protochemistry and the philosophical roots of early modern medicine can share in the process.

More will be forthcoming from this endeavour, but in the meantime, the emblems are available to order.

Customise and purchase your emblem

Sasha has redrawn this new emblem series in pen and ink on handmade cotton Khadi paper. Both paper and ink are archival quality.

Working from the miniature facsimiles in Stanislaus Klossowski da Rola’s The Golden Game, Sasha creates all the designs freehand in pencil, with no tracing or printing. She then completes the linework in pen and ink.

The shaded and colour versions are completed using antique drawing inks made according to traditional recipes. See Sasha’s box of inks and samples above.

Sasha continues to work through the numerous emblems in Mylius’ compendium, but has completed a set of 25 thus far, and is happy to remake any of them to order according to the specifications below.

Please see the options and pricing below, then follow the ordering guidelines to purchase your own hand-made emblem. If you wish to browse the full set of 160 emblems and would like one that Sasha has not yet produced, use the links in the description of the emblems above, and contact Sasha to commission it. Pricing remains the same as below.

COVID-19 UPDATE: At the time of writing it has become almost impossible to source Khadi paper in Europe, and stocks remaining available are selling for £3-4 per A4 sheet!! According to the manufacturer, this is due to lockdown in India and paper will not be shipped again until September 2020 at the earliest. If it becomes impossible to continue the series on this paper due to availability or cost, Sasha will move to Fabriano paper; one of the oldest and finest quality Italian watercolour papers available today.

How to order

Customise your emblem

The emblems are offered according to the specifications below. To order one or more hand-drawn emblems, select the image from the gallery further down on this page, noting the number (eg. “11. Democritus Graecus“). Then select the specifications from the options below.

Example 1: You would like a pen-and-ink version of emblem #11. Email Sasha noting those details.

Example 2: You would like a coloured version of emblem #112. Note those details in your email. Sasha will reply within 24 hours and make payment and postage arrangements.

Postage

At present tracked postal delivery to both Europe and the USA is the safest option, though Sasha cannot guarantee delivery times. Courier dispatch is possible but costs more.

Flat fees for postage are as follows:

Tracked mail: Europe € 15; USA € 25.

Courier: Europe € 30; USA € 50.

For other regions please contact Sasha.

Payments

Via Paypal only (you do not need an account).
Discounts are available for orders of 3 or more emblems.
Layaway arrangements possible with a 30% deposit.

What you will receive

For completed pieces, Sasha will dispatch them within 3 working days of receiving payment.

For custom pieces, Sasha will let you know how long it will take to complete; usually 2-5 days unless she has a number of queued requests.

The emblems are sent carefully packaged in protective wrapping. They are accompanied by a handwritten English translation of the Latin motto and certificate of authenticity signed by Sasha, written on parchment, sealed with wax, and embossed with the symbol of the atom from the 10 drachma coin dedicated to Democritus.

Frames and mounts are not included, but if you have a special request, let Sasha know and she will be happy to explore the possibilities with you.

Customise your emblem

Pen and ink Linework, 20 x 30 cm

€ 100

Monochrome ink shading with gold accents, 20 x 30 cm

€ 120

Circular 30 cm diameter BW Linework

€ 150

Full colour Version 20 x 30 cm

€ 150

Circular 30 cm diameter Shading or Full Colour

€ 180

Linework, shading, or colour: 20 x 20 cm square

€ 75 / € 100 /
€ 120

NOTE: The images above are samples only to give a sense of scale, proportions, and shading. Frames / mounts are not included. Due to the hand-crafted nature of the paper used, there may be some inconsistencies in colour and/or weight; these are to be expected and add to the uniqueness of each item.

Browse the gallery below for emblems already completed and available. Then select the specifications from the options above, and contact Sasha to request customisation and purchase your emblem!

Order now