Woodcut, Switzerland, 1593. In Greek mythology, Hermaphroditus (the son of Hermes and Aphrodite) was bathing in a fountain when he was united with the nymph Salmacis. The two became a single being, both male and female. In Alchemy, this pairing of opposites symbolizes the mystical Philosopher’s stone, or Rebis, upon which stands this androgynous King of Philosophy. The Alchemist is also the symbolic child of the Moon and the Sun. The Pelican is depicted, which was thought to feed its young with the blood of its own breast (the Alchemical concept of self-regeneration). Serpents were associated with Mercury, or Quicksilver.

A limited edition (200) linoleum block print.

After a woodcut France, 1522. The development of distillation led to many experiments, including the production of AquaVita from wine.

A limited edition (200) linoleum block print.

Woodcuts in Eygentliche Beschreybung aller Stände auf Erden, the Book of Trades, by Jost Amman, Frankfurt, 1568.

Images restored by redrawing and printed by hand in open editions from zinc etched plates. Each sold individually.

After a woodcut, England, 1608. Since unemployment was illegal, the night watchman, or belman, along with the ratcatcher, represented the lowest level of English society. With his heavy pike, lantern, bell, and dog, he made his rounds of the city and called the hours. This is the title page illustration from Thomas Dekker’s book that describes various kinds of villains, rogues, and vagabonds, and includes a glossary of underworld slang terms, “Bringing to Light the Most Notorious Villanies that are Now Practised in the Kingdome. Profitable for Gentlemen, Lawyers, Merchants, Cittizens, Farmers, Masters of Householdes, and All Sorts of Seruants to Mark, and Delightfull for All Men to Reade.”

A limited edition (200) linoleum block print

After a woodcut from the Ship of Fools, Basel, 1494.

Open edition engraving

After an engraving by the anonymous Housebook Master from the Children of Jupiter page, Germany, circa 1490.

Limited edition (250) linoleum block print. All 5 ink colors available.

After a woodcut, possibly by Albrecht Durer, from Sebastian Brandt’sNarrenschiff, Ship of Fools, Basel, 1494.

Limited edition (250) linoleum block print

After a woodcut from Das Volksbuch von der schönen Melusine, Germany, 1474.

Limited edition (250) linoleum block print

After a woodcut in the 1494 Lubeck Bible. Stone masons under the direction of an architect erect the Tower of Babel in 15th century style.

Limited edition (200) linoleum block print

After a woodcut, Germany, 16th Century. I enjoy speculating on why the old man appears to be angry.

Limited edition (250) screen print from a hand cut stencil

After a woodcut in Eygentliche Beschreybung aller Stände auf Erden, the Book of Trades, by Jost Amman, Frankfurt, 1568.

Limited edition (100) screen print from a hand-cut stencil. Only brown ink available.

Court jesters were funny, keen and witty.
Their antics were satirized in Til Eulenspiegel.

Limited edition serigraph from a hand-cut stencil after a woodcut by Heinrich Vogtherr (the younger), aka Heinricus Satrapitanus, Gotha, 1540. Black ink only.

Open edition 19th Century antique engraving. Black ink only.

After a woodcut, England, 16th Century.

Limited edition (200) linoleum block print

After a woodcut by Jost Amman, Framkfurt, 1568.
My Dear Kepler: What would you say of the learned here, who, replete with the pertinacity of the asp, have steadfastly refused to cast a glance through the telescope? What shall we make of all this? Shall we laugh or shall we cry? –Galileo Galilei

Open edition engraving. Black or blue ink only.

(from diagnosis to cure) After woodcuts in Teutsch Kalendar, Ulm 1498

Open edition digital images

A traditional theory of physiology in which the state of health--and by extension the state of mind, or character--depended upon a balance among the four elemental fluids: blood, yellow bile, phlegm, and black bile. These were closely allied with the four elements (air, fire, water, and earth). The Humours gave off vapors which ascended to the brain; an individual's personal characteristics (physical, mental, moral) were explained by his or her temperament. The perfect temperament resulted when no one humour dominated.

Phlegmatic: Phlegm, Water, Cold & Moist, Dull (also Pale & Cowardly)
Sanguine: Blood, Air, Hot & Moist, Amorous (also Happy & Generous)
Choleric: Yellow Bile, Fire, Hot & Dry, Violent (also Vengeful)
Melancholy: Black Bile, Earth, Cold & Dry, Gluttonous (also Lazy & Sentimental)

Open edition digital images