This series of paintings was inspired by the richly descriptive explanations of astrological signs popular in the 17th century. I found it an interesting challenge to personify these descriptions using animals that fit the listed characteristic, rather than the symbols and images that are typically linked with the signs. I used the detailed descriptions from William Lilly’s Christian Astrology which was first published in 1647.
2017
Oil and collaged medical book and bandage wrappers
18 x 26 inches
$500
Description of Capricorn- From the work of William Lilly
Quality and Nature- Cold, dry, earthly, feminine, four footed.
Places- Where sails for ships and such materials are stored; also sheep-pens and grounds where sheep-feed, fallow grounds. Dark places, near the ground or threshold.
Form of Body- Unusually dry bodies, not high of stature,long, lean and slender visage, thin beard, black hair, narrow chin, long small neck and narrow breast.
2017
Oil and collaged medical book and bandage wrappers
26 x 18 inches
Sold
Description of Pisces- From the work of William Lilly
Quality and Nature- Water, cold sign. Moist, flegmatick and feminine. An idle, sickly sign representing a party of no action. Cold moist diseases as well as scabs, itch, borches and ulcers.
Places- Grounds full of water much fowl and fish. In houses near water.
Form of Body- A short stature, ill composed, a good large face, palish complexion, the body fleshy or swelling, not very straight, but incurvating somewhat with the head.
2016
Oil and collaged newsprint
18 x 26 inches
$500
Description of Gemini- From the work of William Lilly
Quality and Nature- Aerial, hot, moist, sanguine. Excellent understanding and judicious in worldly affairs.
Places- Wainscot rooms, high places.
Form of Body- An upright, tall, straight body with dark, long arms. Dark hair, almost black. A strong, active body and piercing hazel eyes.
2016
Oil and collaged nautical map
26 x 18 inches
sold
Description of Cancer- From the work of William Lilly
Quality and Nature- Feminine, movable, mute and nocturnal. Many children. Places- Watery, cold and moist. The sea.
Form of Body- Low and small of stature. Pale with sad brown hair and little eyes.
2016
Oil and collaged playing cards
26 x 18 inches
$500
Description of Sagittarius- From the work of William Lilly
Quality and Nature-Fiery, hot and dry, choleric (short tempered), masculine and bicorporal (two bodies.) Intemperance in sports. Places- Stables, fields, high places, or near fire.
Form of Body- Long, full, ruddy face. Strong and able body.
2016
Oil and collaged vintage handkerchiefs
18 x 26 inches
$450
Description of Taurus- From the work of William Lilly
Quality and Nature- Earthly, melancholic, feminine, and nocturnal. Places- Pastures or feeding grounds with no houses. Where wheat and corn are sowed. Some little trees not far off.
Form of Body- Short, full and strong with large strong shoulders. Broad forehead, great eyes and mouth with thick lips. Black, rugged hair.
2016
Oil and collaged musical score
18 x 26 inches
sold
Description of Virgo- From the work of William Lilly
Quality and Nature- Earthly, cold, melancholic, feminine and nocturnal, small, shrill voice, studious-given to history, understanding. A witty, discreet soul.
Places- Study with books, near wheat.
Form of Body- Slender body of mean height, ruddy brown complexion, lovely but not beautiful, black hair.