Four elements (Philosophy)

Group of constituent basic elements of matter (water, earth, fire, air and sometimes aether), used to explain nature patterns since ancient times

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Images from the collections

Images referencing Four elements (Philosophy)

22 images from works
  • Cybele, Bacchus, Ceres and Flora on a chariot drawn by lions surrounded by all forms of natural abundance and cherubs, symbolising the element earth. Engraving by E. Baudet, 1695, after F. Albani.
  • Three-tiered symbolic diagram of the art of alchemy: top level, symbols of the states of matter; middle level, cabalistic diagrams; lower level, the two techniques of alchemy: distillation and calcination. Engraving by R. Custos, 1616.
  • An alchemical adept carrying the vase of Hermes, which is inscribed "Let us go to seek the nature of the four elements". Watercolour painting by E.A. Ibbs.
  • A young woman, perhaps Prudentia, warns an alchemist of the dangers of abusing fire: in the background fires rage in buildings and mines. Engraving by C. de Passe after M. de Vos, 16th century.
  • A young woman, perhaps Prudentia, warns an alchemist of the dangers of abusing fire: in the background fires rage in buildings and mines. Engraving by C. de Passe after M. de Vos, 16th century.
  • Three-tiered symbolic diagram of the art of alchemy: top level, symbols of the states of matter; middle level, cabalistic diagrams; lower level, the two techniques of alchemy: distillation and calcination. Engraving by R. Custos, 1616.
  • Female figures representing the elements of air, earth and water. Etching by G. Vascellini after A. Fedi the elder after bas-relief in Florence.
  • Venus riding a scallop shell chariot over the seas accompanied by Neptune, nymphs and cherubs, symbolising the element water. Engraving by E. Baudet, 1695, after F. Albani.
  • A man made up out of chemical apparatus, symbols, and chemicals. Coloured lithograph.
  • The Hermetic androgyne; representing the stages of the alchemical Work in One. Watercolour painting by E.A. Ibbs.
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Works from the collections

22 works

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Fires
Chariots
Earth, Planet
Alchemy
Angels
Water
Lions
Air
Mines and mineral resources
Chemistry - History