SCENOGRAPHY OF THE COPERNICAN SYSTEM

A detailed hand-colored celestial map representing the Copernican heliocentric system. In the center, a personified Sun with a face radiates rays of light. Surrounding the Sun is the orbit of the Earth, depicted in four positions to illustrate the seasons (Equinoxes and Solstices), with the Earth's axis tilted. Around the Earth's orbit are the concentric circular paths of other planets: Mercury and Venus (closest to the Sun), then Mars, Jupiter (with four moons), and Saturn. The outermost ring contains the Zodiac, decorated with colorful illustrations of the twelve astrological signs and their Latin names. The entire central circular diagram is set against a background of golden rays. The four corners of the page are filled with allegorical and mythological scenes: Top left and right: Winged angels or spirits emerging from clouds, holding two large yellow scrolls that contain the title of the work. Bottom left: A crowned and blindfolded female figure (possibly representing Justice or Science) sits beside a large terrestrial globe and an elaborate mechanical clock. Two small children or putti play at her feet. Bottom right: An allegorical female figure seated under a green canopy, holding a lit torch. She appears to be instructing or guiding three children who are gathered around her, one of whom holds an open book. Background: Numerous putti are scattered among pink and white clouds throughout the borders.

The following text describes the seasonal points within the Earth's orbit:

• AUTUMNAL EQUINOX
• WINTER SOLSTICE
• VERNAL EQUINOX
• SUMMER SOLSTICE

Names of the Zodiac signs transcribed from the outer ring:

• ARIES
• TAURUS
• GEMINI
• CANCER
• LEO
• VIRGO
• LIBRA
• SCORPIO
• SAGITTARIUS
• CAPRICORN
• AQUARIUS
• PISCES