Sagittarius

[Koen G]

I've been looking at some more examples in the Warburg database. So far my impression is that when Sagittarius gets a hat, it is one of a different kind. Sometimes a pointy hat like the type we associate with Robin Hood. Or something more elaborate and "exoticizing". Or just a simple cap. 

This may be a further indication that the VM figures are not taken from a traditional Zodiac cycle. Here is one example of a "Sagittarian", i.e. a person hunting under the influence of Jupiter and Sagittarius:

   

This is from a German woodcut (1470) after Netherlandish example. You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.

The Sagittarius himself (next to Jupiter) is wearing a simple cap, but the hunter below is wearing a chaperon in the typical Burgundian style. Note that while this garment and the VM archer's "sack hat" are technically both chaperons, their style is different.

The point is though, that the VM archer's weapon, pose and outfit are more in line with "person from a hunting scene" than "Sagittarius". By "pose" I mean that the other crossbow Sagittarii usually take aim, as if they are about to shoot (one even right at the viewer) while the VM archer appears hardly aware of his weapon.