The "4 Ages of Man" Folio

[bi3mw]

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One could also speculate that the four figures represent four branches of the medical science, or the portraits of four physicians, like those that can be seen in several medieval manuscripts ...

Or, even more speculatively, a somewhat different grouping. - It is remarkable that the two physician-figures on f85r2 stand opposite each other. Which leads me to the question how "the woman at the spinning wheel" ( post #9 ) fits together with "the nose".

The representation of women at spinning wheels or with distaff was THE symbol of femininity. A large nose was the identification of masculinity, strength, energy, bravery and so on . Negative representations have always shown other related attributes.

All in all, one would have a man / woman pair and a healing physician / diagnostic physician pair. Unfortunately, I have no idea what to do with such a constellation. All I can contribute is this pretty You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.. Sorry, I could not resist