Also in the collection of the Kupferstichkabinett is the oldest surviving hand-illustrated manuscript of Splendor Solis oder Sonnenglanz. Sieben Traktate vom Stein der Weisen (Splendor Solis or Sun shine. Seven Treatises on the Philosopher's Stone)
1531-1532, Southern Germany
attributed to Jörg Breu (c. 1500-1550)
33,1 x 22,8 cm; Opaque colors on vellum
Even this work is too fragile, so I was allowed to inspect the fascimile, encased in a purple velvet box with gold insignia on the front in the shape of the sun. The manuscript contains wonderful pictorial narratives; treatises on the teachings of alchemy, and the connection between nature, man and cosmos. The ultimate goal: to craft the Philosopher's Stone.
