The Perilous Fountain with the Charter of Love ([1525?]) - Page 2

HERMETIC PHILOSOPHYoriginal Latin: "PHILOSOPHIA • HERMETICA." Hermeticism is a philosophical and esoteric tradition based on writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, a legendary Hellenistic figure combining the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth.

The central image is an alchemical and Rosicrucian emblem. It features a "pelican in her piety"—a bird piercing her own breast to feed her young with her blood—symbolizing the "Great Work" of alchemy and the sacrifice required for spiritual rebirth. The pelican sits upon a cube (representing the material world or the philosopher's stone) decorated with four roses, the primary symbol of the Rosy Cross. Divine light or celestial influence descends from above in the form of golden rays.

TRAUTZ-BAUZONNETThe signature of a famous 19th-century French bookbinding firm, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and intricate gold-tooling.