November 1545 - 1608

Pieter van der Borcht the Elder created this engraving titled "November". It illustrates the activities associated with this time of year. Dominating the scene, we see people gathering acorns for the many swine, while in the background, a pig is being slaughtered. Above, Sagittarius, the archer, is seen. This is the zodiacal sign associated with November, a celestial symbol rooted in ancient astrology. The motif of the zodiac sign presiding over earthly activities appears in myriad forms across cultures. From ancient Babylonian star charts to Renaissance tapestries, these symbols link human endeavors to cosmic rhythms. Here, Sagittarius, the half-man, half-horse figure, recalls the centaurs of Greek mythology, beings of primal instinct and wisdom. This juxtaposition of the earthly and the celestial invites us to consider the cyclical nature of life, death, and renewal. The act of slaughter reminds us of mortality, a stark contrast to the zodiac, representing immortality. This tension between earthly decay and heavenly permanence speaks to humanity's ongoing struggle to find meaning in a world of transient experiences. This image of the zodiac, intertwined with human activity, has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.