- Luís is both an historian of science and an art historian, with an interest in the Medieval and Early Modern astrolog... moreLuís is both an historian of science and an art historian, with an interest in the Medieval and Early Modern astrology, astronomy and their connections to art. He holds a PhD thesis in History and Philosophy of Sciences by the University of Lisbon (Faculty of Sciences) on the Jesuit astrological practices in Early Modern period. He holds also a BA and an MA in Art History by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (NOVA University of Lisbon).edit
Connections between the Society of Jesus and astrology used to appear as unexpected at best. Astrology was never viewed favourably by the Church, especially in early modern times, and since Jesuits were strong defenders of Catholic... more
Connections between the Society of Jesus and astrology used to appear as unexpected at best. Astrology was never viewed favourably by the Church, especially in early modern times, and since Jesuits were strong defenders of Catholic orthodoxy, most historians assumed that their religious fervour would be matched by an equally strong rejection of astrology. This groundbreaking and compelling study brings to light new Jesuit scientific texts revealing a much more positive, practical, and nuanced attitude. What emerges forcefully is a totally new perspective into early modern Jesuit culture, science, and education, highlighting the element that has been long overlooked: astrology.
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Thousands of years ago, people first observed a correlation between the heavenly bodies and events on Earth. Out of these early observations and subsequent refinements came what today is known as astrology. For most of these millennia,... more
Thousands of years ago, people first observed a correlation between the heavenly bodies and events on Earth. Out of these early observations and subsequent refinements came what today is known as astrology. For most of these millennia, astrologers used only the seven visible planets: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. It is out of this tradition that Helena Avelar and Luis Ribeiro have written this extensive book on astrology. The rules and principles here presented apply to all branches of astrology,natal, mundane, horary and elective. Their method is the traditional and time-honored one, and includes, among others, chapters on: The Planets The Zodiac and the Signs The Essential Dignities The Houses The Aspects Chart Dynamics The Condition of the Planets The Fixed Stars The Parts The Power of the Planets Using this traditional method, it is possible not only to thoroughly and completely read the natal chart but to do so with a breadth and depth of meaning not found in the modern methods of astrological interpretation. It avoids cookbook-type methods and centers on the practical understanding of the astrological concepts, presenting the Tradition in present-day language. In addition, more than two hundred fifty illustrations make the traditional principles easy to understand and use in chart interpretation. This practical how-to book is one of a kind, and the one that will teach you the traditional methods and you reach into the past to benefit from the knowledge of the authors and astrologers from ancient Babylonia through the medieval period. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced students, as it provides the indispensable core of astrological knowledge, at the same time allowing more experienced students to organize their knowledge into a coherent system.
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The Library of Ajuda, Lisbon, Portugal possesses a lavishly illuminated fifteenth-century copy of the popular late medieval dietetics book, Le Regime du corps by Aldobrandino of Siena. Decorated with a full-page frontispiece and one... more
The Library of Ajuda, Lisbon, Portugal possesses a lavishly illuminated fifteenth-century copy of the popular late medieval dietetics book, Le Regime du corps by Aldobrandino of Siena. Decorated with a full-page frontispiece and one hundred and fifty historiated initials, Codex 52-XIII-26 was one of the latest illuminated manuscripts of this work to be made. This dissertation explores its artists, its production in Bruges in the workshop associated with Philippe de Mazerolles, the Master of the Harley Froissart, as well as its possible connection to the 1479 manuscript commissions of Edward IV of England. It also addresses its circulation in the fifteenth- and sixteenth-century English courts, and its path into Portugal by way of the international book and manuscript market of the eighteenth century. Additionally, this study addresses the codex's decoration and its iconography, comparing it with other known illuminated copies of Le Régime du corps, and providing a first hand overview of their decorative programmes. By offering a detailed study of Codex 52-XIII-26, and making an examination of the visual discourse of the illuminated copies of Le Régime du corps, this dissertation provides a case study for the research on the decoration of deluxe medieval and early Renaissance scientific manuscripts.
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In sixteenth-century Lisbon, Aires Vaz and Manuel Rodrigues were summoned to the Inquisition on account of their astrological practices. Records of the trial of Vaz and Rodrigues provide valuable information regarding the training and... more
In sixteenth-century Lisbon, Aires Vaz and Manuel Rodrigues were summoned to the Inquisition on account of their astrological practices. Records of the trial of Vaz and Rodrigues provide valuable information regarding the training and practice of an astrologer in sixteenth-century Portugal. Prior to this study, however, our knowledge on these matters was scarce and mostly indirect. In this article, we argue that the study of these trial records is crucial to understanding both the practice and the regulation of astrology. Studies on the censorship of astrology usually emphasize the importance of the Roman Index, the Tridentine Rules, and the papal bulls against astrology. By looking at these two trials, this article sheds new light on the application of the Roman rules and allows us to trace the general profile of an astrologer in early modern Portugal.
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Astrology played an important part in early modern European culture, as a fundamental part of both mathematical and astronomical traditions. During the same period, the Society of Jesus built their global educational enterprise, which... more
Astrology played an important part in early modern European culture, as a fundamental part of both mathematical and astronomical traditions. During the same period, the Society of Jesus built their global educational enterprise, which included a proven expertise in mathematical and astronomical study. Although insufficiently acknowledged in Jesuit historiography, astrology formed an important part of this scientific project. Several Jesuit authors engaged in the study, teaching, and practice of astrology. From the mathematics curriculum of the Roman College to the Jesuit astrology classes in Portugal and Spain, the present article discusses astrology’s presence in early modern Jesuit publications. It examines the discussion of astrology in the Society’s scientific works, highlights the sharp contrast between the printed word and the manuscript tradition, and demonstrates how the latter provides a better guide to the role of astrology as part of Jesuit science.
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While the link between navigation and astronomy is quite evident and its history has been extensively explored, the prognosticatory element included in astronomical knowledge has been almost completely left out. In the early modern world,... more
While the link between navigation and astronomy is quite evident and its history has been extensively explored, the prognosticatory element included in astronomical knowledge has been almost completely left out. In the early modern world, the science of the stars also included prognostication known today as astrology. Together with astronomical learning, navigation also included astrology as a means to predict the success of a journey. This connection, however, has never been adequately researched. This paper makes the first broad study of the tradition of astrology in navigation as well as its role in early modern globalization. It shows how astrological doctrine had its own tools for nautical prognostication. These could be used when dealing with the uncertainty of reaching the desired destination, to inquire about the condition of a loved one, or an important cargo. It was widely used, both in time and geographical context, by navigators and cosmographers for weather forecasting and elections for the start of a successful voyage.
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Research Interests:
By offering a new interpretation of the miniature on the opening folio of the illuminated presentation copy of Rolandus Scriptoris’ Reductorium phisonomie (Lisbon, Biblioteca da Ajuda, MS 52-XIII-18), this paper draws attention to a... more
By offering a new interpretation of the miniature on the opening folio of the illuminated presentation copy of Rolandus Scriptoris’ Reductorium phisonomie (Lisbon, Biblioteca da Ajuda, MS 52-XIII-18), this paper draws attention to a unique example of the iconography of physiognomy which not only sheds light on the possible strategies of illuminating physiognomic manuscripts submitted to men of power in the fifteenth century, but also poses intriguing questions on the place of astrology in physiognomic theory and practice. The anonymous illuminator was in constant dialogue with the text, selecting intentionally specific traits that became identifying labels for the various planetary or zodiacal types. The nineteen naked male figures in this illuminated opening folio were created with the intention to reproduce at least one of the textual bodily attributes related to the planet or the zodiacal sign, and they reflect direct knowledge of Rolandus' glossary of astro-physiognomic signs.
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Research Interests:
This paper explores the rules for the expurgation of texts of astrology in the Iberian Indices of forbidden books. It addresses the prohibitions put forward in Rule IX of the Index of Trent and the bull Coeli et terrae of Sixtus V, and... more
This paper explores the rules for the expurgation of texts of astrology in the Iberian Indices of forbidden books. It addresses the prohibitions put forward in Rule IX of the Index of Trent and the bull Coeli et terrae of Sixtus V, and studies its impact on the rules and their interpretation in the Spanish and Portuguese Indices, in particular, those published in the first decades of the seventeenth century: the Spanish Index librorum prohibitorum et expurgatorum of 1612 and the Portuguese Index auctorum damnatae memoriae of 1624. It shows how these indices offer a more meticulous examination of the prohibitions providing not only more detail regarding the different practices of astrology, but also explicitly accept the doctrine of inclinations of Thomas Aquinas as a central rule to deal with astrological judgments on human behaviour. It also highlights some specific details of the practice of censorship of astrological books by examining case studies of censored Portuguese and Spanish astrological publications. These provide new dimensions and highlight significant differences between the theoretical rules, practical guidelines, and actual restriction of astrological content.
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The Ajuda Library possesses two curious seventeenth-century illustrated texts on prophecy and astrology. They provide and interesting example of the interaction between scientific erudition, prophecy, astrology, and religion, and stand as... more
The Ajuda Library possesses two curious seventeenth-century illustrated texts on prophecy and astrology. They provide and interesting example of the interaction between scientific erudition, prophecy, astrology, and religion, and stand as an example of Baroque culture and art. The identity of the authors is unknown, but their writings display familiarity with the main political issues of their time and reveal considerable scientific and religious knowledge.
The first text, “Estrela Descuberta ou Cometa Imaginado”, recalls the unusual sighting of the star Spica, of the constellation of Virgo, which the author considers an omen foretelling a future heir to the throne of Portugal. The second, “Volta & Tornada do Cometa Passado”, describes the movements of the great comet of 1680, and discusses its effects on the World, by reviewing the main political and religious events of that period (1681-1685). The text begins with the presentation of the author’s scientific, philosophical and religious views and with a description of the celestial movements. Nonetheless, its purpose is not scientific knowledge; science is only a means to prove its main topic: prophecy and divine messages by means of comets and angels. Despite being written in a period when the classical concepts of the Cosmos were undergoing a profound change the author uses astrology and astronomy not as a platform to discuss the theories of the universe, but as an instrument to interpret the divine will.
Both texts are illustrated by large watercolour drawings that provide visual support to their message. Following the nature of the text they combine the allegory with scientific detail. This paper explores these unique documents both combining art and scientific discourse with baroque prophetic hyperbole and metaphor.
The first text, “Estrela Descuberta ou Cometa Imaginado”, recalls the unusual sighting of the star Spica, of the constellation of Virgo, which the author considers an omen foretelling a future heir to the throne of Portugal. The second, “Volta & Tornada do Cometa Passado”, describes the movements of the great comet of 1680, and discusses its effects on the World, by reviewing the main political and religious events of that period (1681-1685). The text begins with the presentation of the author’s scientific, philosophical and religious views and with a description of the celestial movements. Nonetheless, its purpose is not scientific knowledge; science is only a means to prove its main topic: prophecy and divine messages by means of comets and angels. Despite being written in a period when the classical concepts of the Cosmos were undergoing a profound change the author uses astrology and astronomy not as a platform to discuss the theories of the universe, but as an instrument to interpret the divine will.
Both texts are illustrated by large watercolour drawings that provide visual support to their message. Following the nature of the text they combine the allegory with scientific detail. This paper explores these unique documents both combining art and scientific discourse with baroque prophetic hyperbole and metaphor.
Research Interests:
No início do século XIII Aldobrandino de Siena, físico italiano ao serviço da corte francesa, escreveu a obra conhecida como Le Régime du corps ou Le Régime de Santé. Realizado a pedido da condessa da Provença, Beatriz de Saboia, o livro... more
No início do século XIII Aldobrandino de Siena, físico italiano ao serviço da corte francesa, escreveu a obra conhecida como Le Régime du corps ou Le Régime de Santé. Realizado a pedido da condessa da Provença, Beatriz de Saboia, o livro aborda os principais preceitos de saúde e de dietética necessários para uma vida saudável, sendo considerado o primeiro livro de medicina de língua francesa. Estruturada em quatro partes, cada uma contendo vários capítulos, a obra descreve as práticas médicas, as atividades diárias, as qualidades médicas dos vários alimentos (vegetais, cereais, frutas e carnes) e a fisionomia.
Existe na Biblioteca da Ajuda uma cópia iluminada de grande qualidade do livro de Aldobrandino, até hoje pouco estudada – o códice 52‐xiii‐26. Para além de um frontispício exuberante, o códice apresenta 150 capitulares historiadas, alusivas ao tema dos capítulos que decoram.
Este artigo explora a riqueza visual deste códice e apresenta os resultados preliminares da corrente investigação sobre a sua história e proveniência.
Existe na Biblioteca da Ajuda uma cópia iluminada de grande qualidade do livro de Aldobrandino, até hoje pouco estudada – o códice 52‐xiii‐26. Para além de um frontispício exuberante, o códice apresenta 150 capitulares historiadas, alusivas ao tema dos capítulos que decoram.
Este artigo explora a riqueza visual deste códice e apresenta os resultados preliminares da corrente investigação sobre a sua história e proveniência.
Research Interests:
O Livro de Fisionomia de Rolando de Lisboa (Cod. 52‐xiii‐18), escrito entre 1425 e 1437, é dos mais interessantes códices iluminados da Biblioteca da Ajuda. Trata‐se de uma obra original, redigida por Rolando de Lisboa, médico português... more
O Livro de Fisionomia de Rolando de Lisboa (Cod. 52‐xiii‐18), escrito entre 1425 e 1437, é dos mais interessantes códices iluminados da Biblioteca da Ajuda. Trata‐se de uma obra original, redigida por Rolando de Lisboa, médico português que esteve ao serviço de John, duque de Bedford, e de Filipe, o Bom, duque de Borgonha.
O códice é ainda enriquecido pela profusão de capitulares iluminadas e sobretudo pelo seu exuberante frontispício. Neste, encontramos uma iconografia a invulgar, que alia a representação artística «tradicional» e o que pode já ser considerado um primeiro esboço de «ilustração científica». Neste breve texto abordaremos estas três vertentes: a vida do autor, o estudo da fisionomia e da astrologia e o papel da imagem na representação do conhecimento. Estes conjugam‐se no Códice 52‐xiii‐18, constituindo‐o como uma obra única no seu género.
O códice é ainda enriquecido pela profusão de capitulares iluminadas e sobretudo pelo seu exuberante frontispício. Neste, encontramos uma iconografia a invulgar, que alia a representação artística «tradicional» e o que pode já ser considerado um primeiro esboço de «ilustração científica». Neste breve texto abordaremos estas três vertentes: a vida do autor, o estudo da fisionomia e da astrologia e o papel da imagem na representação do conhecimento. Estes conjugam‐se no Códice 52‐xiii‐18, constituindo‐o como uma obra única no seu género.
Research Interests:
A Villa tardo-romana de Santiago da Guarda, povoação do concelho de Ansião, distrito de Leiria, possui um dos maiores patrimónios de mosaico romano em território português. Datados do séc. IV e V, estes mosaicos – um total de 17 tapetes –... more
A Villa tardo-romana de Santiago da Guarda, povoação do concelho de Ansião, distrito de Leiria, possui um dos maiores patrimónios de mosaico romano em território português. Datados do séc. IV e V, estes mosaicos – um total de 17 tapetes – apresentam padrões geométricos e vegetalistas muito complexos e de cor exuberante. O espaço da Villa coincide parcialmente com o de um espaço medieval, que cobre parte dos mosaicos. Por outro lado, algumas intervenções contemporâneas de recuperação do paço também ocultaram alguns tapetes musivos. Sendo este conjunto de mosaicos, na sua maior parte, constituídos por padrões geométricos regulares, foi possível reconstituir os segmentos actualmente cobertos e deduzir o padrão de áreas já destruídas. Este poster apresenta uma proposta de reconstrução digital dos tapetes musivos da Villa de Santiago da Guarda, oferecendo uma visão global da sua pavimentação decorativa.
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O século XV português é rico em exemplos das práticas científicas judaicas. As suas evidências chegam até nós de várias fontes, sendo as principais os manuscritos, as crónicas, os registos notariais e as chancelarias. Vamos centrar-nos... more
O século XV português é rico em exemplos das práticas científicas judaicas. As suas evidências chegam até nós de várias fontes, sendo as principais os manuscritos, as crónicas, os registos notariais e as chancelarias. Vamos centrar-nos sobretudo nos dois primeiros.
Research Interests:
Coexistindo, a partir do séc. VIII, no território que viria a ser Portugal, cristãos, árabes e judeus criaram uma cultura com traços comuns apesar das divergências que os afastavam. Ao longo da Idade Média portuguesa, nas artes plásticas,... more
Coexistindo, a partir do séc. VIII, no território que viria a ser Portugal, cristãos, árabes e judeus criaram uma cultura com traços comuns apesar das divergências que os afastavam. Ao longo da Idade Média portuguesa, nas artes plásticas, vão-se revelando aspectos identitários que podem ser explicados por séculos de convivência destas três culturas do Livro.
This paper addresses the astrological association of trades to the planets, its artistic representation, and how this association echoes the perception of the artist as an intellectual or as an artisan. It analyses the iconography know as... more
This paper addresses the astrological association of trades to the planets, its artistic representation, and how this association echoes the perception of the artist as an intellectual or as an artisan. It analyses the iconography know as «the children of the planets», in particular the portraying the planet Mercury, and explores its sources in the medieval astrological texts.
Cet article aborde l’association astrologique de métiers aux planètes, sa représentation artistique, et comment cette association reflète la perception de l’artiste comme un intellectuel ou un artisan. Il analyse l’iconographie connue comme « les enfants des planètes », en particulier celle illustrant la planète Mercure, et explore ses sources dans les textes astrologiques médiévaux.
Cet article aborde l’association astrologique de métiers aux planètes, sa représentation artistique, et comment cette association reflète la perception de l’artiste comme un intellectuel ou un artisan. Il analyse l’iconographie connue comme « les enfants des planètes », en particulier celle illustrant la planète Mercure, et explore ses sources dans les textes astrologiques médiévaux.
Research Interests:
This paper intends to contribute to the study of manuscript circulation in Portugal in the 15th century. It is the result of a work in progress and at this point it raises more questions rather than it gives answers. It presents a... more
This paper intends to contribute to the study of manuscript circulation in Portugal in the 15th century. It is the result of a work in progress and at this point it raises more questions rather than it gives answers. It presents a preliminary survey of the foreign 15th century manuscripts extant in Portuguese collections and attempts to assess their impact on the production Portuguese manuscripts. The goal is to complement the general lack of knowledge regarding the foreign influence in illumination models and styles, both in Christian and in Hebrew artistic production. The survey was made as a complementary study within the project “Hebrew Illumination in Portugal in the 15th Century” in order to provide a better perspective on the artistic background of illumination of that period. It was grounded in the existing research on Portuguese manu- scripts, illumination, and history of books, and was supported by the latest studies, some of them still in course.
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This podcast invites researchers on the history of astrology for a series of academic conversations on this field. It brings to a wider audience academic views on the historical role of astrology in culture, science, and society. While it... more
This podcast invites researchers on the history of astrology for a series of academic conversations on this field. It brings to a wider audience academic views on the historical role of astrology in culture, science, and society.
While it focuses primarily the historical study of astrological practices, it also addresses other topics such as current topics of research, challenges, new findings, astrological documents, new publications, and conferences.
While it focuses primarily the historical study of astrological practices, it also addresses other topics such as current topics of research, challenges, new findings, astrological documents, new publications, and conferences.
Research Interests:
Astra is an international, multidisciplinary project for the study of the history of western astrological doctrines, techniques, and practices from antiquity to the early modern period. The project is housed in CIUHCT (Interuniversitary... more
Astra is an international, multidisciplinary project for the study of the history of western astrological doctrines, techniques, and practices from antiquity to the early modern period. The project is housed in CIUHCT (Interuniversitary Centre for the History of Science and Technology), University of Lisbon, and its developed in partnership with The Warburg Institute, University of London.
The main focus is on the History of Astrology, specifically astrological techniques, and it is open to collaboration with related areas, such as the history of astronomy, medicine, magic, geography, and philosophy. The goal is the study of the history of astrological practices in western culture, by a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the main texts and textual traditions. This entails the study of traditions, concepts, techniques and practices from many perspectives such as historical, mathematical and linguistic.
This project comes forth at a time when a strong corpus of historical studies on astronomical mathematics is already available, many astrological sources have been critically edited, and new perspectives on the historical role of astrology in science and culture has been established. The moment has come to study the inner structure of astrology, thus complementing the aforementioned studies and advancing the understanding of the historical, cultural and scientific role of astrology in the pre-modern world.
The main focus is on the History of Astrology, specifically astrological techniques, and it is open to collaboration with related areas, such as the history of astronomy, medicine, magic, geography, and philosophy. The goal is the study of the history of astrological practices in western culture, by a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the main texts and textual traditions. This entails the study of traditions, concepts, techniques and practices from many perspectives such as historical, mathematical and linguistic.
This project comes forth at a time when a strong corpus of historical studies on astronomical mathematics is already available, many astrological sources have been critically edited, and new perspectives on the historical role of astrology in science and culture has been established. The moment has come to study the inner structure of astrology, thus complementing the aforementioned studies and advancing the understanding of the historical, cultural and scientific role of astrology in the pre-modern world.
Research Interests:
The Tools of the Art is the first academic meeting organised by the ASTRA Project. Several scholars will gather to debate the state of research on the historical study of astrological techniques and discuss new lines of study. The... more
The Tools of the Art is the first academic meeting organised by the ASTRA Project. Several scholars will gather to debate the state of research on the historical study of astrological techniques and discuss new lines of study.
The conference is sponsored by the Monastery of Batalha in collaboration with the Astra project, with the support of CIHUCT, University of Lisbon (FCT – UIDB/00286/2020), the Batalha Municipality, CEPAE – Centro do Património da Estremadura, and M. Moleiro Editor.
The goal of the conference is to discuss the history of astrological doctrines and practices. Particular attention will be given to the creation, application, and development of astrological techniques: the principles and concepts that form the core of the astrological interpretation.
Despite astrology’s importance in western pre-modern culture, the academic study of its functioning has been sparse. The Astra Project seeks to fill this gap by bringing a deeper historical understanding of astrology’s inner workings, thus offering an essential key to the comprehension of this cultural phenomenon. This conference is the first step towards that goal.
The conference will be held in honour of Helena Avelar (1964–2021) who first promoted it.
The conference is sponsored by the Monastery of Batalha in collaboration with the Astra project, with the support of CIHUCT, University of Lisbon (FCT – UIDB/00286/2020), the Batalha Municipality, CEPAE – Centro do Património da Estremadura, and M. Moleiro Editor.
The goal of the conference is to discuss the history of astrological doctrines and practices. Particular attention will be given to the creation, application, and development of astrological techniques: the principles and concepts that form the core of the astrological interpretation.
Despite astrology’s importance in western pre-modern culture, the academic study of its functioning has been sparse. The Astra Project seeks to fill this gap by bringing a deeper historical understanding of astrology’s inner workings, thus offering an essential key to the comprehension of this cultural phenomenon. This conference is the first step towards that goal.
The conference will be held in honour of Helena Avelar (1964–2021) who first promoted it.
Research Interests:
This workshop promotes a debate on the history and historiography of astrology. Six renowned researchers in the field will put into dialogue relevant aspects of the historical study of astrological practices. Programme Francesca Rochberg... more
This workshop promotes a debate on the history and historiography of astrology. Six renowned researchers in the field will put into dialogue relevant aspects of the historical study of astrological practices.
Programme
Francesca Rochberg · University of California, Berkeley
Premodern Astrology: Historiography flows from Terminology
Dorian Gieseler Greenbaum · University of Wales Trinity St David
Astrology as Shape-Shifter: The Roles of Divination and Science in the History of Astrology
Steven Vanden Broecke · Ghent University
Astrology as technology of self
Darrel Rutkin · Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia
Reflections on the Marginalisation of Astrology
Stephan Heilen · Universität Osnabrück
Michael Polanyi’s concept of “tacit knowing”: its relevance to the practice and study of astrology
Tayra Lanuza Navarro · Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia
Natural astrology and the Spanish Inquisition
Luís Ribeiro · University of Lisbon
Moderator and host
Debate + Questions
Programme
Francesca Rochberg · University of California, Berkeley
Premodern Astrology: Historiography flows from Terminology
Dorian Gieseler Greenbaum · University of Wales Trinity St David
Astrology as Shape-Shifter: The Roles of Divination and Science in the History of Astrology
Steven Vanden Broecke · Ghent University
Astrology as technology of self
Darrel Rutkin · Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia
Reflections on the Marginalisation of Astrology
Stephan Heilen · Universität Osnabrück
Michael Polanyi’s concept of “tacit knowing”: its relevance to the practice and study of astrology
Tayra Lanuza Navarro · Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia
Natural astrology and the Spanish Inquisition
Luís Ribeiro · University of Lisbon
Moderator and host
Debate + Questions
Research Interests:
CIUHCT (Centro Interuniversitário de História das Ciências e da Tecnologia) and Mosteiro of Batalha present the conference Wisdom and Science in the (Iberian) Middle Ages. A day dedicated to medieval knowledge, with renowned international... more
CIUHCT (Centro Interuniversitário de História das Ciências e da Tecnologia) and Mosteiro of Batalha present the conference Wisdom and Science in the (Iberian) Middle Ages. A day dedicated to medieval knowledge, with renowned international speakers. The keynote speaker will be Professor Charles Burnett of the Warburg Institute, London and includes presentations by guest lecturers Josefina Rodriguez-Arribas (Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität), Joseph Ziegler (University of Haifa) and Nuria Martinez de Castilla Muñoz (École Pratique des Hautes Études).
The conference will take place in the beautiful Gothic monastery of Batalha, one of Portugal's medieval architectonic treasures on the 15th of October of 2016.
Enrolment at CEPAE by email (cepae@sapo.pt) or phone (244766199)
Fee: 7€
The conference will take place in the beautiful Gothic monastery of Batalha, one of Portugal's medieval architectonic treasures on the 15th of October of 2016.
Enrolment at CEPAE by email (cepae@sapo.pt) or phone (244766199)
Fee: 7€
Research Interests:
Luis Campos Ribeiro, Universidade Nova de Lisboa The illuminated copies of Le Régime du Corps: an example of the circulation of models and images in the late medieval period Written by the physician Aldobrandino of Siena in the... more
Luis Campos Ribeiro, Universidade Nova de Lisboa
The illuminated copies of Le Régime du Corps: an example of the circulation of models and images in the late medieval period
Written by the physician Aldobrandino of Siena in the second half of the 13th century, Le Régime du corps is considered the first book of medicine in French. Being directed to the laymen and not the practicing physician, 'Le Régime' had a wide circulation in the 14th, 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries.
In four chapters, the book addresses the main precepts of health and the dietary requirements for a healthy life. The surviving manuscripts present various levels of decoration, from simple decorated initials and margins, to full-page frontispieces and historiated initials. Some of its most lavish copies present a large collection of these historiated initials. Made for rich patrons they feature an extensive decorative programme with more than 100 miniatures, each representing the topics being address in the given chapter. These miniatures represent an iconographical model for 'Le Régime' that circulated from the 13th century to the late 15th century. Codex 52-XIII-26 of Biblioteca da Ajuda is a good example of the circulation and production of this kind of manuscripts. Not only it contains the work of two different artists, as its iconographic programme is one of the last examples of this three century long lineage of illuminated manuscripts.
Taking as a starting point the Ajuda codex, this paper discusses some examples of the models and the circulation of images surrounding the manuscript production of Le Régime du corps.
The illuminated copies of Le Régime du Corps: an example of the circulation of models and images in the late medieval period
Written by the physician Aldobrandino of Siena in the second half of the 13th century, Le Régime du corps is considered the first book of medicine in French. Being directed to the laymen and not the practicing physician, 'Le Régime' had a wide circulation in the 14th, 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries.
In four chapters, the book addresses the main precepts of health and the dietary requirements for a healthy life. The surviving manuscripts present various levels of decoration, from simple decorated initials and margins, to full-page frontispieces and historiated initials. Some of its most lavish copies present a large collection of these historiated initials. Made for rich patrons they feature an extensive decorative programme with more than 100 miniatures, each representing the topics being address in the given chapter. These miniatures represent an iconographical model for 'Le Régime' that circulated from the 13th century to the late 15th century. Codex 52-XIII-26 of Biblioteca da Ajuda is a good example of the circulation and production of this kind of manuscripts. Not only it contains the work of two different artists, as its iconographic programme is one of the last examples of this three century long lineage of illuminated manuscripts.
Taking as a starting point the Ajuda codex, this paper discusses some examples of the models and the circulation of images surrounding the manuscript production of Le Régime du corps.
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Written by the physician Aldobrandino of Siena in the second half of the 13th century, Le Régime du corps is considered the first book of medicine in French. Le Régime had a wide circulation until the beginning of the 16th century and... more
Written by the physician Aldobrandino of Siena in the second half of the 13th century, Le Régime du corps is considered the first book of medicine in French. Le Régime had a wide circulation until the beginning of the 16th century and some of its most lavish copies present a large collection of historiated initials. In four chapters, the book addresses the main precepts of health and the dietary requirements for a healthy life. The third and largest chapter deals with the medicinal properties of food, like cereals, beverages, and meat, and it presents an extensive list of fruits, vegetables and spices. Some of these would be quite common for the average medieval european, but some, such as spices, would only be known to specialists or traders. How does the artist deal with plants he does not know or is unable to identify? Are the representations naturalistic in nature or an iconic depiction of the plant? Some of the errors and confusions are quite understandable as others are unexpected and sometimes difficult to explain. How do these errors come to be? Lack of knowledge? Incorrect understanding of the text? This paper explores the evidence of the artists’ problems as they deal with the depiction of a wide variety of plants and vegetables.
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A figura celeste ou mapa astrológico, também conhecida como horóscopo, é o primeiro passo de qualquer estudo astrológico. Consiste num diagrama das posições planetárias, tanto nos signos do zodíaco como em relação ao horizonte, a partir... more
A figura celeste ou mapa astrológico, também conhecida como horóscopo, é o primeiro passo de qualquer estudo astrológico. Consiste num diagrama das posições planetárias, tanto nos signos do zodíaco como em relação ao horizonte, a partir das quais se faz a interpretação astrológica. O seu cálculo resulta de observações, uso tabelas, e de medições dos movimentos dos corpos celestes. Esta sessão abordará a história do horóscopo desde a Antiguidade até ao Renascimento, suas funções, tipologias, e métodos de cálculo.
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O objectivo do curso é dar a conhecer técnicas e conceitos fundamentais para o estudo de textos de astrologia antiga. Ao longo do workshop serão lidos, explicados e comentados alguns trechos de obras de Ptolemeu (Tetrabiblos), Ali Ben... more
O objectivo do curso é dar a conhecer técnicas e conceitos fundamentais para o estudo de textos de astrologia antiga. Ao longo do workshop serão lidos, explicados e comentados alguns trechos de obras de Ptolemeu (Tetrabiblos), Ali Ben Ragel (El libro cumplido), Zacuto (Tratado de las influências del cielo) e Antonio Najera (Summa Astrologica). Os participantes ficarão a conhecer os principais problemas intelectuais que se colocavam a estes autores e aprenderão a contextualizá-los no âmbito da tradição científica antiga e da cultura clássica, tomando contacto com novos métodos e temas de investigação.
1. Introdução. A astrologia e a sua prática: definição da astrologia, fontes, autores, atitudes (A astrologia como reflexo da natureza: movimentos astronómicos, o calendário, interpretações. Linhas gerais da História da Astrologia. Ramos da astrologia).
2. O Mundo. Os Planetas (As qualidades primitivas e os quatro elementos. Os temperamentos ou humores / As esferas planetárias. A natureza dos planetas).
3. Signos e Casas (Os signos, natureza e atributos. A precessão. Diferença entre signo e constelação. Dignidades essenciais. As casas. Natureza astronómica. Sistemas de divisão. Significados e função. Júbilos e Cosignificadores).
4. Técnicas (Os Aspectos. Condições dos planetas. Regras de interpretação. Significadores naturais e acidentais).
5. Interpretação e previsão (Regras, tipos de mapa. Técnicas de previsão. Exemplos).
1. Introdução. A astrologia e a sua prática: definição da astrologia, fontes, autores, atitudes (A astrologia como reflexo da natureza: movimentos astronómicos, o calendário, interpretações. Linhas gerais da História da Astrologia. Ramos da astrologia).
2. O Mundo. Os Planetas (As qualidades primitivas e os quatro elementos. Os temperamentos ou humores / As esferas planetárias. A natureza dos planetas).
3. Signos e Casas (Os signos, natureza e atributos. A precessão. Diferença entre signo e constelação. Dignidades essenciais. As casas. Natureza astronómica. Sistemas de divisão. Significados e função. Júbilos e Cosignificadores).
4. Técnicas (Os Aspectos. Condições dos planetas. Regras de interpretação. Significadores naturais e acidentais).
5. Interpretação e previsão (Regras, tipos de mapa. Técnicas de previsão. Exemplos).
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O Cosmos Medieval: a estrutura do Universo, os quatro elementos e as esferas planetárias. A Astrologia: conceitos fundamentais, o horóscopo ou figura astrológica. A prática astrológica: os 4 ramos, a consulta astrológica, a medicina e a... more
O Cosmos Medieval: a estrutura do Universo, os quatro elementos e as esferas planetárias. A Astrologia: conceitos fundamentais, o horóscopo ou figura astrológica. A prática astrológica: os 4 ramos, a consulta astrológica, a medicina e a astrologia. O Astrólogo: formação e funções. Exemplos da prática em Portugal.
No início do século XIII, Aldobrandino de Siena, físico italiano ao serviço da corte francesa, escreve a obra conhecida como Le Régime du corps ou Le Régime de Santé. Realizado a pedido da condessa da Provença, Beatriz de Sabóia, o livro... more
No início do século XIII, Aldobrandino de Siena, físico italiano ao serviço da corte francesa, escreve a obra conhecida como Le Régime du corps ou Le Régime de Santé. Realizado a pedido da condessa da Provença, Beatriz de Sabóia, o livro aborda os principais preceitos de saúde e de dietética necessários para uma vida saudável, sendo considerado o primeiro livro de medicina de língua francesa. Estruturada em quatro partes, cada uma contendo vários capítulos, a obra descreve as práticas médicas, as atividades diárias, as qualidades médicas dos vários alimentos (vegetais, cereais, frutas e carnes) e a fisionomia.
Existe na Biblioteca da Ajuda uma cópia iluminada de grande qualidade do livro de Aldobrandino, até hoje pouco estudada – o códice 52-XIII-26. Para além de um frontispício exuberante, o códice apresenta 150 capitulares historiadas, alusivas ao tema dos capítulos que decoram.
Este seminário explorará a riqueza visual deste códice, bem como a sua importância e impacto na cultura tardo-medieval
Existe na Biblioteca da Ajuda uma cópia iluminada de grande qualidade do livro de Aldobrandino, até hoje pouco estudada – o códice 52-XIII-26. Para além de um frontispício exuberante, o códice apresenta 150 capitulares historiadas, alusivas ao tema dos capítulos que decoram.
Este seminário explorará a riqueza visual deste códice, bem como a sua importância e impacto na cultura tardo-medieval
O Livro de Fisionomia de Rolando de Lisboa (BA. 52-XIII-18), escrito entre 1425 e 1437, é dos mais interessantes códices iluminados da Biblioteca da Ajuda. Trata-se de uma obra original, redigida por Rolando de Lisboa, médico português... more
O Livro de Fisionomia de Rolando de Lisboa (BA. 52-XIII-18), escrito entre 1425 e 1437, é dos mais interessantes códices iluminados da Biblioteca da Ajuda. Trata-se de uma obra original, redigida por Rolando de Lisboa, médico português que esteve ao serviço de John, duque de Bedford, e de Filipe, o Bom, duque de Borgonha.
O livro conjuga o interesse do conteúdo (um estudo completo do corpo humano e sua correlação com o carácter) com o contexto cultural em que foi criado – as cortes de Paris e de Borgonha. O códice é ainda enriquecido pela profusão de capitulares iluminadas e sobretudo pelo seu exuberante frontispício. Neste, encontramos uma iconografia invulgar, que alia a representação artística “tradicional” e o que pode já ser considerado um primeiro esboço de “ilustração científica.
Neste seminário abordaremos estas três vertentes – a vida do autor, o estudo da Fisionomia e a imagem – que se conjugam no códice BA. 52-XIII-18, constituindo-o como uma obra única no seu género.
O livro conjuga o interesse do conteúdo (um estudo completo do corpo humano e sua correlação com o carácter) com o contexto cultural em que foi criado – as cortes de Paris e de Borgonha. O códice é ainda enriquecido pela profusão de capitulares iluminadas e sobretudo pelo seu exuberante frontispício. Neste, encontramos uma iconografia invulgar, que alia a representação artística “tradicional” e o que pode já ser considerado um primeiro esboço de “ilustração científica.
Neste seminário abordaremos estas três vertentes – a vida do autor, o estudo da Fisionomia e a imagem – que se conjugam no códice BA. 52-XIII-18, constituindo-o como uma obra única no seu género.
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O curso desenvolve-se em seis histórias, que exploram seis dimensões do relacionamento entre a China e Portugal no período moderno, correspondente às dinastias Ming e Qing. Questões como os vestígios documentais em arquivos, os primeiros... more
O curso desenvolve-se em seis histórias, que exploram seis dimensões do relacionamento entre a China e Portugal no período moderno, correspondente às dinastias Ming e Qing. Questões como os vestígios documentais em arquivos, os primeiros estudos da língua chinesa pelos portugueses, a circulação de objectos, de produtos e de conhecimento, assim como a produção de livros sobre a China, serão analisadas ao longo das seis sessões. Os temas abordados oferecem a espessura histórica de um relacionamento de longa duração.
The course turns around six histories, which explore six dimensions of the relationship between China and Portugal in the Early Modern Age, during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Issues such as the documentary remains of such relation kept in archives and libraries; the first studies of Chinese language by Portuguese scholars; the circulation of objects, products and knowledge between the East Asia and Europe; as well as the creation of books on China, will be analyzed over six sessions. The topics covered offer the historical solidity of a long-term relationship. The course will be taught in Portuguese.
The course turns around six histories, which explore six dimensions of the relationship between China and Portugal in the Early Modern Age, during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Issues such as the documentary remains of such relation kept in archives and libraries; the first studies of Chinese language by Portuguese scholars; the circulation of objects, products and knowledge between the East Asia and Europe; as well as the creation of books on China, will be analyzed over six sessions. The topics covered offer the historical solidity of a long-term relationship. The course will be taught in Portuguese.