"Many ancient philosophers have not only described their arts in writings and contemplations, but also hidden their painted images and figures. They have placed them carefully in paintings and writings so that no one can see them directly. A beautiful lady, a young nymph, or some goddess of Venus appears in them. Always shining above, adorned with a crown of gold and precious stones. In this virgin, all philosophers—both old and new—have marveled, opening the doors of the Lady Venus, or some other highest goddess, depicting and reproducing her in every possible way. She has been called Nymph or Madame; her arms and hands hold a flaming torch; under her right foot a golden fountain streams; at her left hand a lily grows, and beneath it a silver lily. On her right side the sun is painted, on the left the moon, and around them stars; all the virgins are depicted around her. Little birds flutter, some flying into the air, some resting on branches. Through this, the virgins’ eyes can be seen shining, like fruits on a fruitful tree. All the art of nature and of the Garden of Paradise is displayed if someone studies this complete work of art. Observe her carefully. She is also placed in the philosophers’ theater and preserved in writings. All philosophers, ancient and modern, have written about her; she rests over a fiery circle, holding the seed of Venus. Around her are various little birds, above the waters of the earth; winds blow around her. All are in motion, like mind and soul." — Pandora explicata & figuris jllustrata, das ist, Die edelste Gabe Gottes, oder, Ein güldener Schatz, c. 1706
