The Housebook Master Middle Rhenish, active c. 1465/1500 Mars and His Children, from The Housebook, 1475-1485 pen and ink with watercolor and metal leaf Collection of the Princes of Waldburg-Wolfegg

Planets: Mars

Mars wearing battle armor charges at a full gallop. The signs for Aries and Scorpio appear beside him. Below, vignettes of warfare and pillage demonstrate the tendencies of this planet's children, who are described in the accompanying verses as wrathful, impetuous, and ill-humored, given to thievery and lying. Their countenances are dark and pointed, with small teeth and scant facial hair. Mars' tall and gaunt children are sharp-sighted, with a keen but cruel wit.

Related Works

1. The Housebook Master (?), Military Procession

2. The Housebook Master (?), Cannon and Small Combat Wagon

3. Master of the Battle of Fornovo, The Battle of Fornovo

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