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

Planets: Sol

The illustration for Sol (the sun), considered a planet in the Middle Ages, includes a radiant sun and the zodiacal sign for Leo. The facing verses describe the beneficial influences of this planet. Sol's fortunate children have noble and happy dispositions. They are physically healthy, make amusing companions, are musically gifted, and appreciate good food. Sol's children also enjoy athletic contests such as wrestling. In the morning they attend holy services and do good deeds, as shown in the lower left corner of the image; in the afternoon they dally in the garden and play at sports.

Related Works

1. The Housebook Master (?), Joust with Blunt Lances, from The Housebook

2. The Housebook Master, Combat of Two Wild Men on Horseback

3. Lorenz Helmschmid, Partial Jousting Harness and German, Left Arm for a Jousting Harness (Stechzeug)

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