As I recall as well, it was Ellie's blog, but it was another contributor, who had made notice of the pattern and was asking 'what's up with these little rectangular designs?' It has since been recognized that they are one of a growing set of -dare I call them 'subliminal' - cultural connections. It's strange - in a way- that these cultural ties are sort of there for the taking. But they can only be taken if they are recognized in their connection to valid medieval data. In those early French paintings, where the background is just a pattern, this little four-petaled flower, if you will, is one of a set of repeating motifs used to fill in the space. It is also used in borders, and is found, with variations in various circular VMs diagrams. While the pattern appears as a simple 'space filler', it's use in the various bands of written text, from the cosmos to the central rosette, also shows that the pattern has the potential to designate text segments.
Does the VMs make use of that potential? Would a pair of historical, medieval popes be convincing?
It seems to me that the 'Leipzig cosmos' situation presents an interesting challenge to VMs chronology. Between the 1488 and the 1494 examples of cosmic illustrations printed by Landsberg, there is a rapid and extensive transformation in the comparative cosmic representations. The difference is remarkable. Regarding the introduction of astrological content, the difference is from zero to hero - on steroids. In the 1494 example, the linguistic presentation has been retained. The zodiac ring has been installed in its proper place. In addition, not only are the seven planets represented by their astrological signs, they have even been placed in their relevant astrological houses, such that they correspond to the 4-1-1-1 pattern. If the VMs connection is valid, what does that do to VMs chronology? Does the unique structure of the Leipzig cosmos originate as late as c. 1490?
As wise men have said: "Who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes?"
Does the VMs make use of that potential? Would a pair of historical, medieval popes be convincing?
It seems to me that the 'Leipzig cosmos' situation presents an interesting challenge to VMs chronology. Between the 1488 and the 1494 examples of cosmic illustrations printed by Landsberg, there is a rapid and extensive transformation in the comparative cosmic representations. The difference is remarkable. Regarding the introduction of astrological content, the difference is from zero to hero - on steroids. In the 1494 example, the linguistic presentation has been retained. The zodiac ring has been installed in its proper place. In addition, not only are the seven planets represented by their astrological signs, they have even been placed in their relevant astrological houses, such that they correspond to the 4-1-1-1 pattern. If the VMs connection is valid, what does that do to VMs chronology? Does the unique structure of the Leipzig cosmos originate as late as c. 1490?
As wise men have said: "Who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes?"