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Kirchers Tower of Babel, 17th century
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Kirchers Tower of Babel, 17th century
Kirchers Tower of Babel. 17th-century commentary on the Tower of Babel, by German Jesuit scholar Athanasius Kircher (circa 1601-1680). This tower in Babylon was built to reach heaven. God destroyed it and scattered the builders, causing many languages instead of one. Here, the tower reaches the orbit of the Moon (Coelum Lunae), with six quotes from Genesis: Latin, Greek, Syriac, Hebrew, Arabic, and Aramaic. The Earth on a chain shows the centre of gravity. Kirchers comments (boxed) conclude that such a tower would cause the Earth-Moon-Sun system to collapse. Artwork from Kirchers Turris Babel (1679)
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1600s 1679 17th Century Antiquity Arabic Archaeological Archaeology Archeology Architectural Architecture Athanasius Kircher Babylon Babylonian Book Building Classical Diagram Earth Moon System German Gravity Greek Hebrew Hypothesis Inscription Jesuit Language Languages Latin Legend Legendary Literature Lunar Moon Myth Mythical Orbit Publication Solar System Story Terran Text Theory Tower Aramaic Bible Story Book Of Genesis Commentary Comments Syriac Tower Of Babel
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases Kircher's Tower of Babel, a 17th-century commentary on the legendary structure from the Bible. Created by Athanasius Kircher, a German Jesuit scholar, this artwork depicts the tower reaching the orbit of the Moon, symbolizing humanity's ambitious attempt to reach heaven. The tower's construction in Babylon led to God's intervention and subsequent scattering of builders, resulting in diverse languages instead of one. The image features six quotes from Genesis inscribed in Latin, Greek, Syriac, Hebrew, Arabic, and Aramaic around the towering structure. A fascinating addition is an Earth suspended on a chain representing its center of gravity within the Earth-Moon-Sun system. Kircher's boxed comments conclude that such a colossal tower would cause this celestial system to collapse. This monochrome illustration not only highlights Kircher's architectural expertise but also his deep knowledge of astronomy and ancient civilizations. It serves as a testament to his scholarly pursuits and dedication to unraveling historical mysteries through art and research. As we gaze upon this remarkable piece from Kircher’s Turris Babel publication (1679), we are transported back in time to witness an iconic moment in human history—a story that has captivated generations with its mythical allure. This print invites us to ponder our innate desire for greatness while reminding us of our limitations within the vastness of space and time.
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