Alchemical paintings of Adam McLean
Adam McLean is one of the few recognised experts on alchemical symbolism. Since 1978 he has published over 40 books on alchemy and related matters, edited a long running journal of alchemical ideas, and now organises the largest and most comprehensive web site on alchemy. He is well known for his writings but not so recognised for his paintings.
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McLean as an artist is not one given up to exploring in a free or indulgent way his own ideas. He works essentially to restore and invigorate traditional alchemical imagery. Although some of this ancient alchemical imagery has entered into the public forum through being included as illustrations in popular books, the riches of this material are only available to experts and those researching into ancient alchemical manuscripts. McLean sees his task as an artist is to make modern copies of illustrations from these ancient manuscripts and books. He has two main areas of work.

Firstly, he has made coloured versions of engravings and woodcuts from printed books. These old images are fascinating and full of symbolism but few people can appreciate them today in their original form as woodcuts and engravings. McLean has made coloured version of many of these images (over 400 to date) and this allows the symbolism to speak more directly to the modern eye. His colouring scheme is based on his long experience of viewing similar illustrations in original alchemical manuscripts. These are sold as prints or as framed paintings.
View his galleries of coloured hermetic imagery.

Secondly, he makes modern facsimiles of important alchemical images in oils on canvas. These follow the originals very closely and McLean always strives to create a painting that translates the original manuscript painting into the medium of oils. Most of these involve extremely detailed work. Many of these works cannot be merely copied as the originals in the manuscripts have either become damaged, the colours changed through time, or the original drawing having some inadequacies, therefore some works need to be reborn or restored from the original image. He has an especial interest in such alchemical manuscripts and has spent much time finding these rare items in libraries and special collections. Many of these marvellous images are totally unknown to most art historians.
View some of McLean's recent oil paintings.



McLean's studio and workshop



McLean binding one of his limited edition books.

McLean working on image from the Splendor solis.


Tour of McLean's workshop.


Works in progress June 2000