Atalanta Fleeing (1618) - Page 20

AT HIS AGE 49\. YEAR 1617.

A detailed engraved portrait depicts Michael Maier, a German physician and alchemist, at age 49 in 1617. He is shown from the waist up, wearing a formal ruff and a patterned doublet with a chain and medallion, symbols of his status. He holds a small book in his hand. To his right is a heraldic coat of arms topped with a bird, and to his left is a vase containing flowers. The portrait is framed by a draped curtain. Below the image is a Latin inscription containing his motto and professional titles.

THREE SCHOOLS AND THE EMPEROR GAVE ME THREE TITLES;

THESE THINGS REMAIN FOR ME:

TO BE ABLE TO LIVE WELL IN CHRIST, AND TO BE ABLE TO DIE well.

MICHAEL MAIER, COUNT OF THE IMPERIAL CONSISTORY, ETC:

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY AND MEDICINE, IMPERIAL POET LAUREATE original: "P. C. C." for Poeta Caesareus Coronatus, NOBLE,

EXEMPT FROM THE FORUM A legal privilege meaning the individual was subject only to higher imperial courts rather than local jurisdictions., FORMERLY PHYSICIAN TO THE EMPEROR original: "Medicus Caesareus"; Maier served as the personal physician to Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II., ETC.