Kunst van de farmacie 1550 - 1599

This image, Kunst van de farmacie, attributed to F. Severinus, presents a fascinating array of symbols that transcend time. The central figure, a seated woman, is being attended to by a mermaid, their interaction suggestive of alchemical transformation. Above them, cherubic figures hold a banner, proclaiming the value of experience and testing in art. Note the recurrence of the mermaid. From ancient Near Eastern deities to medieval sirens, this symbol has long straddled the conscious and subconscious, embodying both allure and danger, promise and deceit. Here, the mermaid is benevolent, actively assisting in the woman’s transformation; a stark contrast to its earlier forms as dangerous temptresses. The imagery of transformation hints at the cyclical nature of knowledge, a constant refining and reinterpretation of ancient wisdom. The emotional resonance of the image lies in the interplay between the earthly and the ethereal, the seen and unseen, mirroring the delicate balance between science and art that pharmacy embodies. This image serves as a potent reminder of the continuous, cyclical journey of human understanding.