The Venus of Tan-Tan is an alleged artifact found in Morocco. It and its contemporary, the Venus of Berekhat Ram, have been claimed as the earliest representations of the human form.
Face of a Bird, Legs of an Eagle: The Hybrid Venus in Medieval Texts of Image Magic and the So-Called Talisman of Catherine de’ Medici
This article examines the imagery of the goddess Venus in medieval sources of astrological magic, focusing on a zoomorphic hybrid Venus characterized by avian features. Furthermore, the article examines the transmission of this motif into early modern printed sources and talismans. The most renowned among surviving items related to the hybrid Venus is the 18th-century medallion known as Catherine de Medici’s talisman, depicting on one side a classical Venus figure, and on the other, a seated Jupiter alongside a hybrid with the head and feet of a bird. In previous scholarship it has been argued that the hybrid figure, interpreted as Venus, derives from Cornelius Agrippa and the medieval magical compendium Picatrix. The study demonstrates that the same hybrid Venus appears in several other medieval sources predating Agrippa and independent of the Picatrix. These sources, explored in this article in detail, offer a new insight into the evolution of the zoomorphic Venus, providing a deeper understanding of the ways in which non-Christian and non-classical astrological iconography was transformed and found pathways within medieval literature. Based on the findings of this research, De sigillis attributed to Arnoldus Saxo, seems to provide the most direct model for depicting two distinct Venus figures within the same talisman. The article further argues that the avian hybrid Venus was a dynamic figure among non-classical hybrids, appearing in a relatively wide range of sources, including contexts where astrological hybrids were a rarity.
Scareship Venus
The planet Venus normally sticks close to the Sun and so can only be seen very shortly after sunset, to the west (or before sunrise, to the east, when it is a morning star). But every 584 days, when it reaches maximum elongation in its orbit, it is far enough from the Sun in apparent [...]
The Nebra Sky Disc dates from the Early Bronze Age
The Nebra Sky Disc is considered to be the oldest concrete astronomical depiction in the world. For a long time the experts agreed that the find can be assigned to the Bronze Age. This year, two German prehistorians claimed that the disc came from the Iron Age, sparking controversy. However, new investigations published in the periodical “Archaeologia Austriaca” by the Austrian Academy of Sciences give the all-clear: the Sky Disc definitely dates to the Bronze Age.
Egyptian blue is the oldest artificially produced pigment known to Man. It was in use since about 3100 BC in ancient Egypt, India, Greece and Rome.
Egyptian blue is the oldest artificially produced pigment known to Man. It was in use since about 3100 BC in ancient Egypt, India, Greece and Rome.
Richat Structure
The Richat Structure, or Guelb er Richât, often called the Eye of Africa is a prominent circular geological feature at the northwestern edge of the Taoudeni Basin, on the Adrar Plateau of the Sahara. It is located near Ouadane in the Adrar Region of Mauritania. In Hassaniya Arabic, rīšāt means feathers and it is also known locally in Arabic as tagense, referring to the circular opening of the leather pouch that is used to draw water from local wells.
Picatrix: A Medieval Treatise on Astral Magic Translated with an introduction by Dan Attrell and David Porreca
A manual for constructing talismans, mixing magical compounds, summoning planetary spirits, and determining astrological conditions, Picatrix is a cornerstone of Western esotericism. It offers important insights not only into occult practices and beliefs but also into the transmission of magical ideas from antiquity to the present. Dan Attrell and David Porreca’s English translation opens the world of this vital medieval treatise to modern-day scholars and lay readers.
Tyrian Purple - ColourLex
Tyrian purple is one of the oldest, most valued and most expensive pigments. It had been first produced from shellfish in the city of Tyre.
Investigating ancient human DNA preservation on cave walls and in rock art
Previous efforts to link Palaeolithic cultural records to specific populations through DNA analysis have focused on materials from archaeological floor deposits such as bones, sediments, and artefacts. In this study, we explore whether rock art, a spatially distinct expression of human activity, can also preserve DNA traces from its creators. We analyse DNA preservation in pigment samples collected in and around 24 rock art panels from 11 caves across Spain and Portugal, including simple marks (from nine sites), hand stencils (Maltravieso Cave, Extremadura, Spain), and figurative paintings (Cave of Altamira, Cantabria, Spain). We recover traces of ancient human mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, unaccompanied by faunal DNA, from a pigmented calcite crust at Escoural Cave (Portugal), as well as from an unpigmented cave wall sample from the same site. The absence of faunal DNA in both samples suggests direct DNA deposition through human contact. In contrast, three additional unpigmented samples, from Escoural and Covarón Cave (Asturias, Spain), yielded mixtures of human and faunal DNA, suggesting indirect deposition. Although our results do not conclusively link ancient human DNA preservation to the generation of cave art, we show that traces of human DNA can persist on cave walls for thousands of years.
19.09.12 Attrell/Porreca (eds.), Picatrix: A Medieval Treatise on Astral Magic
Attrell, Dan, and David Porreca, trans. Picatrix: A Medieval Treatise on Astral Magic, Magic in History. University Park, PA: Pennsylvania State University Press, 2019. pp. xii, 372. $39.95 (hardback). ISBN: 978-0-271-08212-7 (hardback).
Tipographia
Visual archive of graphic design, typography and things printed in Portugal. A collection by...
Black and Tan Floral Leaves Seamless Hand Drawn Flowers Botanical Art Mid Century Modern Wall Decor Digital Download - Nieuwe Market©
Add a Touch of Modern Organic Elegance to Your Space with Digital Download Wall Art Welcome to Nieuwe Market, where art meets convenience! Elevate your decor effortlessly with our captivating digital download wall art. Our modern organic collection features stunning abstract designs in black and tan, creating a natural ambiance that will transform any space. ⭐ Let us guide you through what you'll receive: ⭐ INSTANT DOWNLOAD PRODUCT: Digital Downloadable Wall Art DPI: 300 FILE SIZES: (in inches) - ISO - 11x14" - 4:5 RATIO FILE FOR PRINTING: 4x5, 8x10, 12x15, 16x20, 20x25, 24x30 - 3:4 RATIO FILE FOR PRINTING: 6x8, 9x12, 12x16, 18x24, 24x32 - 2:3 RATIO FILE FOR PRINTING 4x6, 6x9, 8x12, 10x15, 12x18, 16x24, 20x30, 24x36 Immerse yourself in the allure of our digital art prints, carefully crafted to bring visual delight to your surroundings. Here's why buying digital art prints is the perfect choice: 💫 High-Quality Digital Files: Instantly access professionally designed digital art files with exceptional clarity and detail. Upon purchase, you'll receive instant access to professionally designed digital art files. These files are meticulously crafted with attention to detail, ensuring stunning visuals and vibrant colors. 💫 Multiple Sizes for Easy Printing: Our art files come in a variety of sizes, including ISO, 2:3, 4:5, 3:4, and 11x14'. This allows you to choose the perfect dimensions that suit your frame and display preferences. This ensures a seamless fit for a wide range of frames and display options. 💫 Easy Ordering Process: Simply add the digital art print to your cart, complete the purchase, and the files will be available for instant download. No waiting for shipping or delivery. You can start decorating your space in minutes! 💫 Excellent Printing Results: Our files are optimized at 300 DPI (dots per inch), guaranteeing sharp and crisp prints with remarkable clarity. This high resolution ensures your wall art retains its stunning quality when printed professionally. 💫 Printing Recommendations: For the best results, we recommend printing your digital art at a professional print shop. They have the expertise and high-quality equipment to reproduce the intricate details and vibrant colors of our designs. Alternatively, you can use your home printer for a more convenient option. 👉 Please note: This listing is for an instant download of digital files only. No physical items will be shipped. The digital art files are for personal use only and may not be resold or redistributed. Colors may vary slightly depending on your monitor settings. Frames and props shown in the listing photos are for illustrative purposes only and are not included. 💖 Immerse yourself in the beauty of our modern organic digital art collection. Enhance your space with captivating black and white abstract designs that create a moody atmosphere. Experience the convenience of instant downloading and the freedom to print and frame your art in the sizes that suit your style and preferences. Begin your decor transformation today! 💖 If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. We're here to help you create a stunning and personalized space that reflects your unique style. Thank you for considering our digital download wall art. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. We are here to help you create a beautiful and inspiring space!
The History of Linen
Linen can be traced back thousands of years. Learn how it was first used, see how it's evolved, and find out why it's the textile of choice for today’s world.
Śākta Tantra and Mantravāda in Kerala | Dr. Maciej Karasinski
The social story starts with a correction: there was no single “time of the Picatrix.” Ghāyat al-Ḥakīm was compiled in tenth-century Córdoba. The Castilian and Latin Picatrix emerged at Alfonso X’s court three centuries later. One textual lineage crossed two very different systems of power.
