The Archetypal Human-Animal: Rudolf Steiner's Watercolour Painting - A New Approach to Evolution

Rudolf Steiner's watercolor painting "The Archetypal Human-Animal" presents an enigmatic image of a strange creature swimming in water. Angela Lord explores the meaning of this painting, discussing Goethe's theory of metamorphosis, human evolution, and the significance of fish in Christianity. She provides a workbook for painters and offers a fascinating insight into hidden aspects of human evolution from a spiritual-scientific perspective.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 104 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2022
Publisher: Temple Lodge Publishing

Rudolf Steiner's watercolour painting titled "The Archetypal Human-Animal" presents us with an enigmatic image of a strange creature seemingly swimming in water. It has a human profile, showcasing a clearly outlined nose and slightly-opened mouth, accompanied by a mysterious eye, almost concealed in its greenish hair. The creature possesses appendages resembling hands and feet, and dark-blue plant-like forms float about in the water beneath its bright red and yellow body. While the title provides us with a clue to its meaning, it remains enigmatic. What is this strange, unusual creature—this archetypal human-animal?

In this original work, illustrated throughout with full-colour paintings and images, many by the author herself, Angela Lord takes us on a journey of discovery to unravel the meaning behind Rudolf Steiner's painting. From Goethe's theory of metamorphosis in nature, we delve into Steiner's ideas of human evolution, tracing the primal beginnings of the archetypal human-animal on the Ancient Moon. Lord recounts myths and legends from various cultures that depict human-animal forms, and reflects on the significance of the fish in Christianity. She guides us through a series of colour sequences for repainting Steiner's human-animal motif, accompanied by appendices that summarise evolutionary phases of the earth and humanity from a spiritual-scientific perspective.

The Archetypal Human-Animal serves as both a valuable workbook for painters and a fascinating insight into hidden aspects of human evolution. It encourages artists to explore and interpret the enigmatic creature, while also providing a deeper understanding of our spiritual and evolutionary journey.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 210 x 296 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912230884