De astroloog 1675

This print, "The Astrologer," was made by Giuseppe Maria Mitelli in the 17th century. The astrologer, surrounded by the tools of his trade, becomes a vessel for our fears and hopes. The globe and the geometric diagrams speak to humanity's enduring quest to map the unknown, to find order in the cosmos. Notice his tools, a pair of compasses, and a book in his left arm: these symbols are a direct link to the ancient Greek philosophers, who sought truth through mathematics and observation. But observe how the meaning has shifted! In antiquity, these tools were emblems of progress, while here, they take on an air of superstition. This symbol has reappeared throughout history, each time reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of the age. The astrologer, with his gaze fixed on the heavens, embodies this timeless yearning to understand our place in the universe.