Atalanta Fugiens

A complete alchemy manuscript in 96 full-page color plates



Atalanta Fugiens (lit. Atalanta in flight) is a compendium of illustrated alchemical literature by Michael Maier (1568-1622) a German physician, alchemist, writer, and composer. It was first published in Latin in Oppenheim in 1617. The theme of the work is the Greek myth of Atalanta, a virgin huntress who agreed to marry only if her suitors could outrun her. It consists of 50 illustrations, each of which is accompanied by an epigram on the myth, a discourse and a musical fugue. The origins of the present French translation of the manuscript - which does not include the fugues - are unknown. It is presently held by the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles.