Two exceptional folk-art pictures (of a series of twelve), depicting signs of the Zodiac

South Germany or Tirol, 18th century

Various textiles and fibres applied to painted paper, 9.7 x 13.5 cm (including frame: 20 x 25 cm)

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Under the sign of ‘Virgo’, August 23 - September 23, associated with the planet Mercury and the element earth, country folk are shown harvesting grain. To the right an Indigenous American figure shows some products of the season.

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Under the sign of ‘Libra’ (The Scales), September 23 - October 23, associated with the planet Venus and the element air, elegant love-couples are shown in an enclosed garden with a fountain, some offering sweet fruits. To the left an 'Oriental' or Islamic figure is displaying sweet, ripe fruits of the season.