Birth of the Griffin: Fine Art Print

Description

Entitled “Birth of the Griffin” the original artwork for this print was painted in 2021 using watercolor and ink on the paper. It was inspired by a two page spread from the Alchemy Notebook featuring an intertwined lion and eagle wrapped around the sun and the moon. The second photo shows the notebook page this print was based on. The third photo shows the notebook along side the painting used to create this print. This listing is for the limited edition print shown in the first photo.

This artwork is an adaptation of an emblem that appears in the Opus medico-chymicum of Johann Daniel Mylius, published in 1618. The emblem is from a section in the third volume called Seals of the Philosophers, which illustrates 160 small round emblems dedicated to the heroes of alchemy. The emblem that inspired my Alchemy Notebook painting is “The Philosophick Testament of Pythagoras: Without Fire nothing will be wrought, as no warrior should be without arms.” This emblem is traditionally depicted with the lion’s head inverted, with the head of the eagle in its jaws, to create an ouroboros – in the shape of an infinity symbol instead of the more common circular serpent. I chose instead to break the loop in the design, and have the two face each other. My thoughts on the symbolism of this image is that it represents a joining of the two powerful alchemical beasts, representing the mystery contained within the origin of the griffin.

This fine art Giclée print is created on acid-free paper with the same texture and finish as the original, which has a lovely velvety appearance, and accurately reproduces the original painting in size, color and finish. Each print is signed and numbered on the back and this series is a limited numbered edition of 50. The print measures 8″ x 10″, with a white border around artwork to allow for matting and framing – the image portion of the print is 7 3/8″ high and 5 7/16″ wide. The print comes sealed in a clear bag and is carefully packaged and shipped in a rigid mailer with a cardboard support.

The images in this listing include watermarks to prevent unauthorized reproduction of the artwork. Your print will be free from white knotwork wave and copyright notice included in these images.