Hermes Trismegistus and the Creative Fire – Engraving from Viridarium Chymicum by D. Stolcius von Stolcenberg, 1624 – Hermetic Alchemy Print, Occult Sun and Moon Illustration, Esoteric Wall Art, Antique Vintage Decor #174

This Hermetic & Alchemy Print is a reproduction of one of the most significant and esoteric engravings of the 17th century, taken from Viridarium Chymicum (The Alchemical Garden of Green, 1624) by Daniel Stolcius von Stolcenberg. The image depicts Hermes Trismegistus, legendary sage of hermetic philosophy, standing beside the creative fire that unites the polarities of Sun and Moon.

A cornerstone of hermetic and alchemical imagery, this work embodies the eternal mysteries of transformation, balance, and cosmic unity. It is both an occult diagram of creation and a meditation on the union of opposites – a theme central to esoteric philosophy.

What the Artwork Depicts

• Hermes Trismegistus – Clad in ceremonial robes, holding an armillary sphere symbolizing cosmic order, wisdom, and the mastery of the heavens.

• The Creative Fire – A mystical flame rising between the solar face (Sun) above and the lunar face (Moon) below, merging in a single column of energy.

• Sun and Moon – Representing masculine and feminine, active and passive, day and night, the eternal polarities of alchemical doctrine.

• Landscape Setting – A pastoral scene in the background suggests that the mysteries of alchemy permeate both nature and cosmos.

• Symbolic Composition – The engraving functions as a visual mandala of hermetic wisdom, teaching the principle of balance through symbolic art.

Symbolism and Esoteric Meaning

• Hermes Trismegistus – Known as the “Thrice-Great Hermes,” a syncretic figure combining the wisdom of the Egyptian Thoth and the Greek Hermes, patron of alchemy, astrology, and magic.

• The Creative Fire – The alchemical “ignis naturae” or philosophical fire, which transforms, unites, and elevates matter and spirit.

• Sun and Moon – Classical symbols of polarity: Sol (gold, king, masculine) and Luna (silver, queen, feminine). Their conjunction (coniunctio) is the foundation of the Magnum Opus, the Great Work.

• Armillary Sphere – A Renaissance emblem of universal order, cosmic cycles, and the harmony of microcosm and macrocosm.

• Hermetic Unity – The engraving embodies the axiom “As above, so below,” showing how cosmic forces mirror human transformation.

• Alchemy as Transformation – The fire represents both the literal furnace of the alchemist and the inner fire of spiritual awakening.

Historical and Cultural Context

The engraving comes from Viridarium Chymicum (1624), an alchemical emblem book by Daniel Stolcius von Stolcenberg, a disciple of Michael Maier and an important transmitter of Rosicrucian and hermetic symbolism. This book, richly illustrated with engravings, offered allegorical images accompanied by epigrams and poems to instruct initiates in the mysteries of alchemy.

In the 17th century, alchemical texts and emblem books like this combined science, mysticism, and poetry. They were not simply manuals for laboratory work, but guides to spiritual initiation. The union of Hermes Trismegistus and the cosmic fire reflects the blending of Egyptian, Greek, and Christian esoteric traditions that shaped European hermeticism.

Today, the image continues to inspire occultists, historians of alchemy, and seekers of esoteric wisdom as a timeless representation of transformation and unity.

Why Choose This Print?

• Authentic reproduction of a 1624 engraving from Viridarium Chymicum.

• Features Hermes Trismegistus, legendary master of hermetic wisdom.

• Rich in alchemy, sun-moon polarity, and occult symbolism.

• Perfect for altars, meditation spaces, and esoteric study rooms.

• Available on aged handmade paper for rustic charm or artist-grade canvas for durability.

• Unframed print – easy to customize with your own frame.

• A unique blend of history, mysticism, and occult art.

Perfect For

• Collectors of alchemy, hermetic, and occult prints.

• Practitioners of esoteric philosophy, ritual magic, and hermetic traditions.

• Students of Renaissance art, emblem books, and Rosicrucian history.

• Lovers of antique mystical decor and symbolic wall art.

• A thoughtful gift for alchemists, mystics, or spiritual seekers.

The Union of Opposites

This Hermes Trismegistus Poster is more than just an engraving – it is a visual key to hermetic philosophy, illustrating the eternal fire that fuses opposites into unity. The Sun and Moon, light and darkness, masculine and feminine are reconciled in the creative spark of transformation.

👉 Order your Hermetic Alchemy Print today and invite into your space a timeless emblem of wisdom, balance, and the Great Work.

Canvas vs. Hand-Made Paper — Print Comparison Guide