Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa

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Portrait of Agrippa Wellcome L0000100
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa
File:Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa 02.jpg
Portrait of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa
Born14 September 1486
Died18 February 1535 (aged 48)
NationalityGerman
OccupationPolymath, physician, legal scholar, soldier, theologian, occult writer
Notable work
Three Books of Occult Philosophy


Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim (14 September 1486 – 18 February 1535) was a German polymath, physician, legal scholar, soldier, theologian, and occult writer. He is best known for his work Three Books of Occult Philosophy, which is considered one of the most influential works on Western esotericism and Renaissance magic.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Agrippa was born in Cologne, in the Holy Roman Empire. He studied at the University of Cologne, where he received a degree in arts in 1502. He later pursued studies in medicine, law, and theology at various universities across Europe, including University of Paris and University of Pavia.

Career[edit | edit source]

Agrippa's career was diverse and included roles as a physician, legal scholar, soldier, and diplomat. He served in the armies of Maximilian I and later worked as a physician in various European cities, including Metz, Geneva, and Fribourg.

Occult Writings[edit | edit source]

Agrippa is most renowned for his contributions to occultism and esotericism. His magnum opus, Three Books of Occult Philosophy, was published in 1531. The work is a comprehensive treatise on magic, alchemy, astrology, and Kabbalah. It synthesizes various strands of Hermeticism, Neoplatonism, and Christian mysticism.

Controversies[edit | edit source]

Agrippa's work often brought him into conflict with the Catholic Church and other authorities. He was accused of heresy and witchcraft on several occasions. Despite these controversies, he maintained a network of influential patrons and correspondents, including Johannes Trithemius and Erasmus.

Death and Legacy[edit | edit source]

Agrippa died in Grenoble, Kingdom of France, on 18 February 1535. His works continued to influence occult and esoteric traditions well into the modern era. Three Books of Occult Philosophy remains a foundational text in the study of Western esotericism.

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD