Mars and his Children - Framed Manuscript Illustration

The personification of the planet mars with the people that are under his influence from the Hausbuch von Schloss Wolfegg, Germany, ca. 1470. The seven metals of medieval alchemy corresponded to the five known planets, the sun, and the moon. Mars was associated with iron, courage, confidence, and assertiveness, but also with violence, treachery, tyranny, and unfaithfulness. Professions under his charge included soldiers, butchers, barbers, carpenters, alchemists, murderers, and thieves.