Discussion of the Konstellations

[Koen G]

JKP and Rene! I really appreciate you guys replying and trying to help me out a bit.

I believe this folio to be an "ecliptic" folio, that is, all figures on it are found on the ecliptic. The three parallel lines are a hint at that: they are a convention to denote the ecliptic in the middle, and the outer limits of the zodiac belt on the sides. In Medieval manuscripts, the middle line, i.e. the actual ecliptic, is often omitted, leaving only the Zodiac belt.

The pincers could indeed symbolize many things: the claws of the crab or scorpion, or the bull's horns like you say. However, there is not a single one that explains the way they are held. Virgo is often seen in this pose, though, either with scales like JKP says, or with a specific form of Spica.



The figure on the right is from Boulogne, Bibliothèque Municipale → 188, fol. 22r, which is closely related to the famous Leiden Aratea. Unfortunately, the Virgo from the Leiden MS is lost.

You can also see that I've colored the VM figure's "wings" in yellow. You can compare it to the original and see that they are subtly hinted at. Also, of course, Virgo's flowing dress and even the belt in the middle.
Edit: I've also noticed that the hand on the right is often in the same pose - would that be a gesture of "modesty"?


A final thing that pointed me towards Virgo is that the pair of figures across the page from her symbolize Pisces, and Virgo and Pisces are opposites on the Zodiac circle.

As a side note, the Boulogne figure is very interesting because it is the best parallel for the "head roll" hair style I have found so far.