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Hierarchy of the Church, 1652. Artist: Robert Vaughan
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Hierarchy of the Church, 1652. Artist: Robert Vaughan
Hierarchy of the Church, 1652. God at the head, the Pope below flanked by angels, kings, priests and laity, with demons falling into the flames of Hell below. This image shows that the four Greek elements of Aristotles physics, Earth, Air, Water and Fire were still common currency in the late Renaissance. From Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum by Elias Ashmole. (London, 1652)
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Media ID 14840221
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Ashmole Demon Earth Elias Elias Ashmole Four Elements Heaven Hell Hierarchy Oxford Science Archive Pope Vaughan Roman Catholicism
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print, titled "Hierarchy of the Church, 1652" offers a glimpse into the intricate world of religious and scientific beliefs during the late Renaissance. Created by Robert Vaughan and featured in Elias Ashmole's Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum, this engraving showcases a fascinating blend of elements from both realms. At the center of the image stands God himself, symbolizing ultimate authority. Just below him is the Pope, flanked by angelic figures representing divine guidance. Surrounding them are kings, priests, and ordinary people - collectively representing different levels within the hierarchical structure of Catholicism. Beneath this celestial scene lies an intriguing connection to Aristotelian physics. The four Greek elements - Earth, Air, Water, and Fire - are depicted as common currency even in this period. This fusion between religious hierarchy and scientific understanding highlights how these concepts coexisted during that time. However, not all is heavenly in this composition. Demons can be seen falling into flames below - a reminder of Hell's existence for those who stray from their faith or commit sinful acts. Through its meticulous details and monochromatic aesthetic, this seventeenth-century print serves as a visual representation of power dynamics within Christianity while also reflecting prevailing scientific knowledge at that time. It provides us with valuable insights into both religious devotion and intellectual pursuits during one of history's most transformative periods.
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