Sun (from the Tarocchi, series A: Firmaments of the Universe, #44)

1467

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Allegory Ferrara

Dominant colour

Sun (from the Tarocchi, series A: Firmaments of the Universe, #44) is a 1467 by Master of the E-Series Tarocchi, a Renaissance work, depicting Ferrara, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Master of the E-Series Tarocchi
When & what style?: 1467 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

The painting shows a male figure in profile, steering a chariot drawn by four horses. This figure is personified as the Sun, and it's interesting that the artist chose to depict it this way. The chariot and horses are also detailed, with the horses appearing to be in motion. You can learn more about similar artwork at the museum where this is kept, the Cleveland Museum of Art.

The story of this work

Overview

This engraving is part of the Tarocchi group marked with the letter “A”, and named Firmaments of the Universe . This series comprises the seven planets from the classical astronomy (Moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) and the three celestial spheres that separate them from the Supreme Entity ( Prima Causa ) from which everything was originated. Here, Sol (Sun) is personified as a male figure, in profile, steering a chariot drawn by four horses in the sky, and above an imaginary landscape. In his right hand holds up a sun-face, whilst he looks towards a scorpion. Sun appears as…

Read the full account in the museum source.