Artwork Page for The Empyrean Sphere (from the Tarocchi, series A: Firmaments of the Universe, #50)

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The Empyrean Sphere (from the Tarocchi, series A: Firmaments of the Universe, #50)

before 1467

Master of the E-Series Tarocchi

(Italian, active 1460s)
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Culture
Italy, Ferrara, 15th century
Medium
engraving
Credit Line
Dudley P. Allen Fund 1924.432.50
Catalogue raisonné
Hind E.I. 50a
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This engraving is part of the Tarocchi group marked with the letter “A”, and named Firmaments of the Universe. This series comprises the seven planets from the classical astronomy (Moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) and the three celestial spheres that separate them from the Supreme Entity (Prima Causa) from which everything was originated.

Here, Prima Causa (First Cause) personified God himself. It is shown as concentric circles representing the surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected. This is a diagram of the universe. It displays earth at the center and make up of four circles standing for the four elements (earth, water, air, and fire). Beyond earth are the seven circles symbolizing each planet. It follows the primum mobile and finally the three radiant circles of the Trinity.
A vertically oriented engraving in dark ink on aged paper depicts a central diagram of concentric circles within a braided rectangular border. Faint patterns and star-like symbols fill the rings, with fine lines radiating from the outermost edge. Near the top, a line of inverted, crossed-out text reads "VINCI IVDERT IN LIBER". The stained paper is marked by significant creasing and irregular, torn edges.

The Empyrean Sphere (from the Tarocchi, series A: Firmaments of the Universe, #50)

before 1467

Master of the E-Series Tarocchi

(Italian, active 1460s)
Italy, Ferrara, 15th century

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