Enigmatic Tudor polymath known in his day as ‘the Queen’s conjuror’ is subject of exhibition at Royal College of PhysiciansHidden beneath a painting of the enigmatic Tudor polymath John Dee performing an experiment for Elizabeth I is a black and slightly terrifying secret,research has discovered.
X-ray imaging of the stately Victorian artwork has revealed that Dee was originally surrounded by human skulls before the ghoulish image was painted over, probably because it was too odd for the buyer. But curators of an exhibition opening on Monday believe it sums up the conundrum of Dee: should we remember him as brilliant pioneering scientist, and as an occultist who thought he could talk to angels?Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com