Infinite Fire Webinar II - The Emblemata of the Atalanta Fugiens by Dr. Peter J. Forshaw

With the Infinite Fire Webinar Series, the Ritman Library and the Center for the History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents (GHF) of the University of Amsterdam have joined forces and are planting the seed for a Scholarly Hermetic Circle. As we announced at the beginning of September, in the coming year we will broadcast a series of 9 webinars in a format of 3 x 3 featuring three experts connected to the GHF, who will elaborate on their academic passions in relation to the library's treasures.

The second webinar is online featuring dr. Peter J. Forshaw, who shares with us his knowledge on Michael Maier (1568--1622), a Renaissance alchemist, composer, physician and counsellor to Habsburg Emperor Rudolf II Habsburg. The webinar focusses in particular on Maier's Atalanta Fugiens (1618), a multimedia work containing 50 engraved emblems visualizing the alchemical stages and including corresponding epigrams, discourses and musical symphonies 'fugues', which he composed himself.

Nothing is known about Maier's ideas on how to perform the fugues, though some believe they serve as auditory support during corresponding alchemical work in the laboratory. Since Maier served as counsellor to Rudolph II, it might even be the case that the music was performed at his court. Besides discussing a selection of the emblemata of the Atalanta Fugiens at length, Peter Forshaw also highlights other works by Michael Maier, as well as other related sources.