Saturn and the Signs of the Zodiac
This tapestry from "The Planets" series was woven in Brussels in the mid-17th century. Can you recognize the zodiac signs?
Saturn (Second third of the 17th century) by Jakob o Josse van Zeunen I. V. ZThe Cathedral of Segovia
Join us on a tour of the different zodiac signs embroidered in this tapestry dedicated to the god Saturn.
Aries ♈︎
Aries is represented by a ram with two curved horns.
Taurus ♉︎
Taurus, in turn, is represented by a bull, which pulls Saturn’s chariot.
Gemini ♊︎
Although it is a symbol rendered less clearly in this tapestry, it is represented by two children dressed in small togas, symbolizing the duality and changeable nature of this zodiac sign.
Cancer ♋︎
Next to the bull, one of the two children holds a crab, symbolizing Cancer.
Leo ♌︎
Leo is represented by a lion, positioned on Saturn’s chariot next to the terrestrial sphere.
Libra ♎︎
A woman -Virgo- holds a fish -Pisces- and a scale, the symbol of Libra, representing balance, harmony, and justice.
Virgo ♍︎
Virgo is the zodiac sign associated with the female figure. She holds a fish -Pisces-, which refers to the entirety of the formal and physical universe. In her left hand, a scale, representing Libra.
Scorpio ♏︎
Scorpio is represented by a scorpion, here held by a child.
Sagittarius ♐︎
Sagittarius is represented by a centaur archer in a shooting position.
Capricorn ♑︎
Capricorn is associated with the goat, shown in this tapestry in the first position next to the ram, Aries.
Aquarius ♒︎
The water-bearer in this scene, pouring water from the chariot, is Aquarius. A mythological figure who pours water from a jar, symbolizing the release of knowledge and wisdom into the world.
Pisces ♓︎
A large fish could be a reference to the symbol of Pisces, held in this case, as we have seen, by Virgo. The usual allegorical representation is two fish swimming in opposite directions, alluding to its dual nature.
Pisces (again) ♓︎
Between Saturn’s legs appears a terrestrial sphere, which on an upper band displays three symbols. The one on the right corresponds to Pisces: two fish swimming in opposite directions with a central band connecting them.
Promoted by: Chapter of Segovia Cathedral
Direction and texts: Adolfo Rubio Pascual-Muerte
Images: Segovia Cathedral
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