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Title: Astrological treatises
Date: AD 1403
Language: Latin
Page Number: 120
This is a description of a fascinating interpretation of the Zodiac from the early 15th century. The interpretation includes five copies of Fendulus's text that follow a consistent format and structure, ranging from the years 1220-1240 to 1500. Each zodiac sign has a page of text, an illustration of the sign, and three folios, each with three registers, depicting the decans for each sign.
One particularly striking image can be found on Folio 16R, where a beautifully drawn winged woman, wearing a veil and an ermine-lined dress, is holding a sheaf of wheat in her right hand. The text is also interspersed with numerous fantasy animals, such as the bird-headed nude man with feathered wings and bird feet on Folio 19V, who is standing next to a woman.
The interpretation also includes depictions of the seven planets in their houses, counter-houses, and in exaltation and dejection. Each folio is filled with hand-painted figures that are grotesque and mutilated, dating back to 1403 or earlier. Folio 39R features one of the earliest known hand-drawn images of a knight's armor. In one illustration, Mars is depicted beheading a creature and conquering in his house. In another, on Folio 39V, Mars is holding a bird-faced shield in his left hand and appears to be falling backward towards the ground, while a spear and sword with wounds are shown below him.
Additionally, this interpretation of the Zodiac is not only intellectually intriguing, but it is also visually stunning. The hand-drawn illustrations are intricately detailed and exquisitely painted, making this book a true masterpiece of art.
Moreover, the book's cover itself is a work of art, with the date of its creation stamped into the leather spine, making it a valuable historical artifact. The care and craftsmanship that went into creating this book are evident in every detail, from the quality of the parchment to the precision of the drawings and the luxurious feel of the leather cover. It is a tribute to the skill and creativity of the artists and craftsmen that made the original in the 15th century.
REPRODUCTION DETAILS: OUR HARDCOVER BOOKS ARE MADE WITH REAL WOOD FOR THE INTERIOR OF THE FRONT AND BACK COVERS AS WELL AS THE SPINE. THE LEATHER IS A 4 OZ COWHIDE, FROM A SMALL SUPPLIER IN NORTH CAROLINA. THE LEATHER IS ADHERED TO THE COVERS WITH GLUE AND MOLDED INTO THE SHAPE AT THE HAND OF OUR LOCAL ARTISANS. THE SIGNATURES/PAGES ARE HANDSEWN USING A LIBRARY BINDING METHOD. THE SEWN BOOK IS BOUND WITH A STRONG ADHESIVE GLUE THAT MAKES THE BINDINGS LAST, ESPECIALLY FOR THE LARGER BOOKS. WE ALSO ADD A THICK MULL CLOTH TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE BINDING, DRYING IN BETWEEN EACH LAYER, A TRADITIONAL WAY TO MAKE THE BINDING STIFF, STRONG, AND RESILIENT FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
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