Re: What *is* that object those nymphs are holding?

[Dana Scott <dfscott@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Nick,
   Here is the drawing in which I saw the ring:

http://rafale.worldnet.net/~atluigi/alchimie/symbola/arnaud.html

I found it in a book titled "Alchemy The Golden Art, The Secrets of the Oldest
Enigma" by Andrea DePascalis, p.68. (ISBN 88-7301-025-3) The caption states

        Emblem dedicated to Arnald of
        Villanova, who is pointing to a
        royal couple in the act of
        exchanging wedding rings,
        symbolizing the marriage of
        opposites. (Symbola aureae
        mensae, by M. Maier, 1617). This
        Catalan alchemist and professor
        of medicine, and one of the
        greatest scientists of his time, is
        reputed to have achieved a
        transmutation in Rome at the
        court of Pope Boniface VIII in the
        presence of witnesses. It is on
        this episode that Villanova's
        reputation as an alchemist rests.
        He is also reputed to have been
        the author of many manuscripts,
        including the famous Rosarium
        Philosophorum.

>From "Signs & Symbols, An Illustrated Guide To Their Meaning and Origins", by
Clare Gibson, p.56 (ISBN 0-7607-0217-9), we get the following on Fleur-de-lys:

        The fleur-de-lys (or fleur-de-lis, which means "flower of the lily" in
French) is a much-used floral heraldic symbol. It depicts a stylized lily or
lotus, signifying perfection, light and life and traditionally represents the
kings of France. In French legend, Clovis, the Merovigian king of the Franks,
converted to Christianity in AD 496, whereupon an angel gave him a golden lily as
a symbol of his purification. Alternatively, it is sometimes said that Clovis
adopted it as his emblem after waterlilies in the River Rhine alerted him to a
safe spot at which to ford the river and cross to achieve victory in battle. In
the twelfth century the fleur-de-lys became the symbol of French royalty. Louis
VII used it on his shield and "lys" is also thought to be a contraction of
"Louis." Between 1340 and 1801, English kings used the emblem on their coats of
arms to signify their claims to the French throne. Because it consists of a
triple lily, the fleur-de-lys can also represent the Trinity, the Virgin Mary,
the trinities of God, the creation and royalty and also mankind's body, mind and
soul. Its resemblance to a spearhead also links it with masculine martial power.
The fleur-de-lys is the symbol of Florence, Italy, known as the "City of Lilies."

Regards,
Dana Scott

Nick Pelling wrote:

> Hi Dana,
>
> >Here are some observations on what the nymphs may be holding in their hands.
>
> Spindle whorl, wedding vows ring, cross, fleur-de-lis, spindle... all good
> observations, thanks. As normal, I'll slowly work my way through them all,
> and see where they lead me. :-)
>
> Thanks, .....Nick Pelling.....