Cornelius Agrippa and his Impact on Frankenstein
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| "Behold the figure of that man of Parts who dive'd into the Secrets of all Arts, A Second Solomon, the mighty Hee That try'de them all, and found Vanity" (3) |
Who Was Cornelius Agrippa
Cornelius Agrippa was a German scholar who lived during the age of the European Renaissance (5). He was born in Cologne on September 14, 1486, and studied at the University of Cologne in 1502 (1). Although, it remains unclear whether he received any degrees he claimed to have (6). It was there that he discovered the school of Albertus Magnus and began his journey into natural philosophy (1).Despite the extensive scientific advances which occurred during the Renaissance -- Agrippa was a doubter (1). He was regarded as an occultist, which is someone who believes in the existence and use of supernatural forces or beings (6). Agrippa traveled and lived in many different locations throughout his life including France, England, Austria, and Italy. While in Paris, he created a secret society devoted to astrology, magic, and Kabbalah (a discipline and school of thought in Jewish mysticism) (2).
In 1533, Agrippa published Three Books on Occult Philosophy (1), his most well renowned piece of work. Agrippa published many other essays and books throughout his life time, some notable ones being, On the Uncertainty and Vanity of the Arts and Sciences: An Invective Declamation, Declamation on the Nobility and Pre-Eminence of the Female Sex, and Declamation on Original Sin (1). Agrippa took up many different careers and roles throughout his life aside from his pursuits of magic, including secret agent, soldier, physician, orator, and law professor (5).
Cornelius Agrippa's Reputation
Agrippa was a very polarizing man of his time, many people adored him and his works, while others denounced him. Agrippa's involvement and teachings in Christian Kabbalah attracted widespread interest and he joined the collegium (group of people who have similar interests and equal authority) of theologians (1). However, many others saw this as criminal, having condemned the art of Kabbalah, referring to him as a "judaizing heretic" (1). This resulted in an end to his teaching career in Dole (1). Agrippa later continued his pursuit of knowledge and teachings in Kabbalah and Hermetic literature in Italy where he joined a network of correspondents (1). While in Italy, he continued his theological teachings (1). These lectures on theology greatly angered the Church with his controversial opinions (2).Cornelius continued publishing works and making friendships, dodging around to different places and jobs. While serving as the physician to the French king's mother, he published On the Sacrament of Marriage, which was believed to be influenced by condemned works (1). Church officials began to question his orthodoxy. His political loyalties were called into question when he began working with the Duke of Bourbon, who betrayed the French crown (1). This resulted in him being stripped of his job and pension, and he was forbidden to leave France; although he was later allowed to leave (1).
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| An English translation of Cornelius Agrippa's Fourth Edition of occult philosophy. Created around 1650 (4). |
Agrippa then pursued practicing medicine in Antwerp, however he was eventually banned for practicing without a license (2). The publication of his works De vanitate and book 1 of de occulta philsophia saw Agrippa once again in trouble with religious authorities (1). These works were condemned as scandalous and heretical (1). Upon questioning of his motives and demand for an answer, Agrippa replied with two more pieces of work combatting the accusations. This decision saw him lose another job. Agrippa's later life saw him in and out of prison for various criminal offences and debt up until his death in 1535 (2).
Despite his poor relationship with religious authorities and people in power, Agrippa gained a mass of followers from his works and helped to kickstart the Skepticism movement in the Renaissance (6). This movement was largely based on doubt of scientific discoveries as well as the state of the Church. After his death, legends of Agrippa were plentiful with people claiming he was a demonic magician, vampire, and that he even traveled to the New World (America) (2).
Cornelius Agrippa's Impact on Mary Shelley and Frankenstein
There are clearly many similarities between Agrippa and Shelley's character of Frankenstein. Agrippa's works and reputation earned him the title of "the one who professed to overturn all the science" (1). There are obvious parallels between Frankenstein's work in university to advance science and his determination to alter what is possible, and Agrippa's beliefs and pursuits. Both Frankenstein and Agrippa never truly obtained a degree while at university, and they continued their works without said degree. If we were to assume that Frankenstein became well known for his creation of "Junior" in the novel, then he would likely have gained a very similar reputation to Agrippa's. Some people would doubt him, some would praise him, and the others would denounce him.One very key detail about Agrippa's impact on Shelley revolved around her husband. Percy Shelley once listed Agrippa among his favorite writers in a discussion during 1812 (2). It's no wonder that Mary Shelley surely heard and read some of Agrippa's works with her husband being such an enthusiast. This knowledge also sheds the light on Frankenstein's infatuation with Agrippa despite however many times he was told to move on from it.
(2) Curran, Stuart. “Cornelius Agrippa.” Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, http://knarf.english.upenn.edu/People/agrippa.html.
(3) “Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa.” National Portrait Gallery, https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw125440/Heinrich-Cornelius-Agrippa.
(4) “Henry Cornelius Agrippa His Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy ; of Geomancy. Magical Elements of Peter De Abano. Astronomical Geomancy. the Nature of Spirits. Arbatel of Magick / Translated into English by Robert Turner.” Wellcome Collection, Creative Commons, https://wellcomecollection.org/works/zgvs7b2r.
(6) The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. “Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa Von Nettesheim.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/biography/Heinrich-Cornelius-Agrippa-von-Nettesheim.
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