Zodiac signs: rare and unique features

[Koen G]

Sagittarius

- Unique

• Crossbowman appears idle (but see "notes").
  

- Rare

• A fully human Sagittarius with a goatee is rare or may even be unique [JKP]
  
• Sagittarius with crossbow is extremely rare; it is only known from one family of manuscripts, all after 1400 ca and from German-speaking regions (but see "notes").
  
• The trigger bar is attached between the stirrup and the nut. Only one other example has been You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. so far, in You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view., late 15th century French.
  

- Notes:

• No idle crossbowman has been found in a zodiac image contemporary with or earlier than the VM.
  In 2000, You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. noticed that the Voynich Sagittarius looked like a "jovial hunter" in You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view., an illustrative tradition which started in the 1430's (see You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.).
  
• Diane O'Donovan notes that "idle" bowmen do exist for example in the 12thC stained glass windows now in Soissons cathedral.
  
• The earliest known astrological crossbowman was discussed by Marco on You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.. Alfonso X’s “Astromagia” You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. BAV Reg.lat.1283 A (late 13th Century).
  
• A second earlier example was found by You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. shows Mars as a crossbowman (1320 ca.)