Astrology & Divination

This intricate volvelle is a rare surviving example of a medieval paper instrument used for astronomical or calendrical calculations. The rotating wheels allowed scholars to track celestial movements or determine dates by aligning the various numerical scales. The central figures likely represent authoritative scholars or personifications of time, adding an allegorical layer to this functional scientific tool.

This 11th-century diagram illustrates the classical system of the twelve winds, a fundamental element of medieval cosmological and meteorological knowledge. Each wind is depicted as a winged head blowing a stream of air toward the center, accompanied by Latin labels identifying their names and directions, demonstrating the sophisticated integration of art and science in the Ramsey Abbey scriptorium.

This vibrant miniature depicts the court of King Parikshit (Raja Prikhshat Sabha), a pivotal figure in the Bhagavata Purana. The upper register shows the king in humble discourse with the sage Shukadeva, who is narrating the sacred text to him before his destined death. The lower register illustrates the assembly of sages and courtiers witnessing this profound spiritual transmission, rendered in a style characteristic of traditional Indian manuscript illustration.

This engraving from Johannes Kepler’s 1619 masterpiece, Harmonices Mundi, illustrates his theory that the distances between planetary orbits are determined by the five Platonic solids. The diagram maps the orbits of Saturn and Jupiter relative to the 'Cubus' (cube) and 'Tetrahedron,' culminating in a nested circular model of the inner solar system. It represents a pivotal moment in the history of science where Kepler attempted to reconcile ancient geometric harmony with his new laws of planetary motion.

This radical monochrome engraving represents the primeval darkness or 'Great Void' that preceded the creation of the universe. Created by the English physician and mystic Robert Fludd for his encyclopedic 'Utriusque Cosmi Historia' (1617), the image is bordered by the phrase 'Et sic in infinitum' (And so on to infinity), emphasizing the boundless, unformed state of the cosmos before the divine light of creation.

This vibrant illustration depicts the Hindu deity Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, seated majestically upon a lotus throne. He is sheltered by the multi-headed serpent Shesha, symbolizing cosmic protection and eternity. The intricate detailing and bold use of color are characteristic of 19th-century Indian manuscript illumination, reflecting the devotional and artistic traditions of the period.

This intricate engraving, likely from Robert Fludd's monumental work 'Utriusque Cosmi' (1617-1621), illustrates a pneumatic experiment designed to demonstrate the principles of air expansion and contraction. The apparatus consists of a large leaden sphere (A) connected by a curved tube (E) to a water-filled vessel (C), showing how heat—symbolized by the sun in the upper corner—affects the pressure and movement of fluids. Fludd's work is a prime example of the early modern synthesis of empirical observation, mechanical philosophy, and hermetic mysticism.

This diagram is a yantra, a mystical or astrological chart common in Sanskrit manuscripts on Jyotish (astrology). It features a series of nested squares containing specific Devanagari characters, likely representing planetary positions or numerical values used for divination or calculation.

This intricate illumination is from the 'Libro de los juegos' (Book of Games), commissioned by King Alfonso X of Castile in the late 13th century. It depicts a game of chess being played by figures of different social backgrounds, reflecting the king's interest in intellectual pursuits and the cultural synthesis of medieval Spain. The scene is framed by a decorative architectural canopy, a common motif in Alfonsine manuscripts that signifies the importance of the activity depicted.