More Images Count of St. Germain
18th-century European adventurer and intellectual
The Count of St. Germain whose real name and origins remain unknown, was a European adventurer who had interests and achievements in science, alchemy, philosophy, and the arts. He rose to prominence in the European high society of the mid-18th century due to his works and interests. He associated himself with some of the top contemporary figures, including Casanova, Voltaire and Mozart. The count used a variety of names and titles, including the Marquess of Montferrat, Count Bellamarre, Knight Schoening, Count Weldon, Count Soltikoff, Manuel Doria, Graf Tzarogy, and Prince Ragoczy. He appears to have begun to be known under the title of the Count of St Germain during the early 1740s. He is said to have made far-fetched claims, leading Voltaire to dub him "the Wonderman", and that "he is a man who does not die, and who knows everything". Charles, the prince of Hesse-Kassel, is recorded as having called him "one of the greatest philosophers who ever lived". Wikipedia