Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Astrological treatises
Belgium, Bruges, early 15th century, in or before 1403
MS M.785 fol. 27v

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Third Decanus of Capricornus in three zones:
1) Sphaera Persica:
Fish tail, inscribed CAUDA PISCIS (Constellation: Piscis Austrinus); cart, inscribed SECUNDA MEDIETAS PLAUSTRI (Constellation: Plaustrum); stream of water, inscribed POSTREMUM PRINCIPIUM FONTIS AQUA NOCIUE (Constellation: Aquarius); leg of monkey, inscribed POSTREMUM FERE DOLOSE (Astrological Sign: Fere Dolose); headless, nude man, inscribed RES MONSTRUOSA, holding his head in right hand (Astrological Sign: unidentified).
2) Sphaera Indica:
Veiled woman, inscribed MULIER UISI PLACIDA CELIS NIGRAS, holding distaff and spindle, beside four objects, including distaff, swirls of thread (?) and rod from which hangs cloth (Astrological Sign: Woman).
3) Sphaera Graeca:
Bear leg, inscribed CLUNIS URSE MINORIS (Constellation: Ursa Minor); body of dragon, inscribed FINIS DRACONIS (Constellation: Draco); fish tail, inscribed DELFINI (Constellation: Delphinus); fish tail, inscribed CAUDA PISCIS (Constellation: Piscis Austrinus); body of cock, inscribed PES GALLINE DEXTRA CUM ALA (Constellation: Gallus); torso and arms of figure, inscribed BRACHIA AQUARII (Constellation: Aquarius); head and forequarters of goat, inscribed MEDIETAS CAPRICORN (Constellation: Capricornus).