Sagittarius 

Editor: Here we have a page from a medieval manuscript, an illustration of Sagittarius rendered in tempera, gouache and ink, maybe with coloured pencils, too. The image is small, but it strikes me as both meticulously planned and somewhat dreamlike. What compositional elements stand out to you? Curator: The emphatic structure is paramount here. The artist has created a page of balanced symmetry with vertical columns framing Latin text and astronomical notations. Saturated colours such as blue, green, gold, and red emphasize the geometry, creating a visual rhythm. How do you view the archer at the top? Editor: He's drawing back his bow, so his form fits right into the archway, it’s neat! He also feels very integrated with the green behind him – which makes the gold trim pop that much more. Does the color seem important for differentiating symbolic elements here? Curator: Absolutely. Observe how gold denotes sacred or heavenly space, drawing attention to the arch. It contrasts vividly against the earthly green, which in turn sets off the archer’s actions in red against the muted palette. Also note how the pillars punctuate each written element, drawing our eyes around the entire page. The structure functions as meaning. Do you perceive a conceptual metaphor arising from these visual devices? Editor: So, the pillars function like chapter headings or conceptual dividers to give a narrative flow to each month or event. Thinking about the composition that way adds another layer of consideration. Curator: Precisely! The illuminator clearly organized their aesthetic choices to visually enact the text's astrological content. By isolating Sagittarius, the form and the function combine with intention to both instruct and communicate. Editor: Seeing how purposefully the formal components amplify Sagittarius’ importance is revelatory. Curator: Agreed, this has illuminated new aspects for us both.