The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of April 18, 2024
The Empyrean Sphere (from the Tarocchi, series A: Firmaments of the Universe, #50)
before 1467
Location: not on view
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.
- {{cite web|title=The Empyrean Sphere (from the Tarocchi, series A: Firmaments of the Universe, #50)|url=false|author=Master of the E-Series Tarocchi|year=before 1467|access-date=18 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1924.432.50