King and Queen (Rosarium philosophorum)

This black and white line drawing depicts a nude, crowned King standing on a stylized sun and a nude, crowned Queen standing on a crescent moon. Between them, a dove descends from above, holding a flower in its beak that the couple also touches with their inner hands. Each figure holds a leafy branch, and long, curling ribbons inscribed with Middle High German text float above their heads. The figures are positioned symmetrically, reflecting the chemical union of opposites.

This image is a foundational emblem from the 'Rosarium philosophorum' (1550), a primary alchemical text that describes the 'Chymical Wedding' or the conjunction of the solar (masculine) and lunar (feminine) principles required to produce the Philosopher's Stone.