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About This Work
This diagram uses a sequence of circles and triangles to visually map the ontological relationship between the divine and the human. The left column details the manifestation of God from eternity through Christ, while the right column mirrors this progression in the development of Man, incorporating alchemical terminology such as Sulfur and Mercury. The layout encourages a meditative comparison of these two spheres, illustrating the concept of the microcosm reflecting the macrocosm.
This work is a core element of the Rosicrucian, Lutheran-mystical, and theosophical tradition that sought to synthesize Christian theology with alchemical and metaphysical hierarchies. It serves as a visual bridge between the 17th-century Pietist tradition and the esoteric Hermetic preoccupation with the 'divine spark' within humanity.
Inscriptions(German)
THEOLOGISCH LIES T O Mensch erkenne Gott und dich Bewis, du war im Himmel und auf Erd ist. Was war Gott ohne Anfang Aller in Allem. Was war der Mensch ohne Anfang Nichts ganz Nichts. Was war Gott vor dem Anfang in der Ewigkeit. Ein einigs Göttliches Wesen. Was war der Mensch vor dem Anfang in der Ewigkeit In Gott. Was war Gott am Anfang ELOHIM. Was war der Mensch am Anfang Sulphur Mercurius. Was ist Gott in der Zeit JESUS CHRIST in welchem die ganze Fülle der Gottheit ist. Was ist der Mensch nach der Zeit Ebenbild Gottes Was ist Gott nach der Zeit Alles in Allem Was ist der Mensch nach der Zeit Neue Creatur.
Translation
THEOLOGICAL READ O Man, know God and yourself; prove what was in Heaven and is on Earth. What was God without beginning All in All. What was Man without beginning Nothing, quite nothing. What was God before the beginning in eternity. One divine Being. What was Man before the beginning in eternity In God. What was God at the beginning ELOHIM. What was Man at the beginning Sulphur Mercury. What is God in time JESUS CHRIST in whom is the whole fullness of the Godhead. What is Man after time Image of God What is God after time All in All What is Man after time New Creature.
Connected Texts
Jakob Böhme
The diagram's reliance on triadic structures and the internal mapping of divine light mirrors the theosophical cosmology developed by Böhme.
Theosophia Practica
This image is part of the broader visual literature of 18th-century German esoteric manuscripts that codified the Rosicrucian worldview.
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Provenance & Source
Object
Coloured print
emblem
Digital Source
Unknown · Public domain
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