The Little Golden Olympic Treasury in Three Parts

An intricate alchemical engraving is set within a large heart-shaped frame. At the top center, the god Mercury (the Roman name for the Greek Hermes) stands atop a rocky pillar. He wears a winged helmet and sandals. He holds a caduceus, a staff entwined with two snakes, in his right hand. In his left hand, he holds a globus cruciger, which is an orb topped with a cross.

To the middle left, a bearded King sits on a throne-like rock. He wears a crown and a fur-lined mantle. To the middle right, a Queen sits in a similar manner. She wears a crown and a structured bodice with a flared skirt. These figures represent the Alchemical Marriage, the union of solar and lunar principles.

Sinuous, ribbon-like streams of liquid or vapor flow from the pedestals of the King and Queen. These streams curve upwards to join at the base of Mercury's pillar. They also curve downwards to feed into two circular fountains on the ground below.

At the bottom of the scene, two groups of about six figures each are kneeling on the ground. They are in a posture of worship or supplication towards the fountains. Some of these figures at the edges also wear crowns. This suggests that even earthly rulers seek the wisdom found in these alchemical waters. Fine horizontal engraving lines form the background of the entire heart-shaped composition.

Key Symbols on this Page

Mercury
Also known as Hermes.
The messenger god who represents the "spirit" or the mediating principle in the alchemical process.

The King and Queen
The dualities of nature, often associated with sulfur and mercury or the sun and the moon. Their union is necessary for the creation of the philosopher's stone.

The Fountain
The source of life.
A symbol for the "mercurial water" or the cleansing process required to reach spiritual and physical perfection.

The Heart
The frame represents the center of the human being and the vessel where the Great Work takes place.