Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Astrological treatises
Belgium, Bruges, early 15th century, in or before 1403
MS M.785 fol. 4v

See more information »

Second Decanus of Aries in three zones:
1) Sphaera Persica:
Ship, inscribed NAUIS, with sails unfurled (Constellation: Argo Navis); armored knight, inscribed EQUES, with sword and shield, astride horse (Astrological Sign: Horseman).
2) Sphaera Indica:
Woman, inscribed FEMINA PECTENS CAPUT, holds mirror in right hand and with left hand combs hair (Constellation: Virgo ?); bearded head, inscribed CAPUT MEDUSE (Constellation: Caput Medusa); stag, inscribed CERUUS (Astrological Sign: Cervus); harp, inscribed ARPES PERSEI (Constellation: Lyra); female centaur, inscribed FEMINA LINTHEO INDUTA, beside small male figure inscribed PARLES EIUS, with arms crossed on breast (Astrological Sign: Hybrid Figure).
3) Sphaera Graeca:
Hip of Cepheus, inscribed COXA CEFEI, beside hand inscribed FINIS MANUS, beside legs and feet inscribed TIBIE CUM PEDIBUS (Constellation: Cepheus); head inscribed CAPUT PERSEI (Constellation: Perseus); feet inscribed PEDES ANDROMADE (Constellation: Andromeda); triangle, inscribed TRIGONUS, supported by two columns (Constellation: Triangulum); head of ram, inscribed CAPUT ARIETIS, beside spiraled threads inscribed RELIQUUM FILI (Constellation: Aries); mid-body of whale, inscribed PECTUS CETI (Constellation: Cetus ).