ACXTELMEIER, STANISLAUS REINHARD

APRELUDE TO THE FOUR SEASONS

In his work "Ebenbild der Natur" [replica of nature], Acxtelmeier tries to structure the science of nature of the time according to a divine logic. In Pythagorean number mysticism, the figure four represents the earthly order. The four cardinal points, the four phases of the moon, the four seasons, the four elements and the four humours keep nature in balance. In Christianity, this corresponds to the Holy Gospel of the four evangelists.

The book includes four times four chapters. Each chapter features a copperplate engraving, for the most part with illustrations of four animals and four plants. The creatures are connected to the four elements and the constellations via their specific characteristics. Acxtelmeier chose the seasons as the supreme principle of order. The book is, however, exclusively dedicated to spring. It was supposed to be the first of four volumes, yet the author only added another volume, i.e. summer, many years later.

Acxtelmeier wants his work to be seen as a "Lebensschul", ", a school of life. He addresses medical doctors and apothecaries, but also artists, tradesmen and craftsmen. By reading the book, he wants them to understand the world and learn what they shall do or refrain from doing in order to live a life pleasing to God.