Astrology in Fine Art

From the Très Riches Heures

(An illuminated manuscript from the 15th-century Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, a Book of Hours)

Astrology has been a popular topic with artists for hundreds of years. From sculptures and inscriptions in Egypt and the Fertile Crescent, to Renaissance and Baroque paintings, to fine illustrations from all eras, astrology captures the artist’s imagination. Even now, the potent combination of astrology, mythology, and astronomy continues to inspire beautiful public works like the Astrolabe Clock aboard the ms Amsterdam and the Bracken House Clock in London, England. Here’s a quick look at some well-known pieces:

Guercino: Personification of Astrology

Personification of Astrology, by Italian Baroque painter Giovanni Francesco Barbieri.

Calendar from Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos

Zodiac calendar from Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos/Apotelesmatika (“Astrological Outcomes”)

Painting by Antonio da Correggio

The School of Love, by Correggio

Jordaens' Scorpio, from Signs of the Zodiac

Scorpio, by Flemish Baroque artist Jacob Jordaens.

Photo by genibee (cc)

Sagittarius sculpture on the facade of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, Chartres, France.

Photo by Sacred Destinations (cc)

Sagittarius panel from the Zodiac Windows, also in the Chartres Cathedral.

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