Saturn and his Children - Framed Manuscript Illustration

The personification of the planet saturn 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. Saturn was associated with lead, seriousness, calm, patience, and carefulness, but also with loneliness, melancholy, envy, suspicion, and maliciousness. Professions under his charge included monks, beggars, miners, plumbers, chimney sweeps, undertakers, gardeners, herdsmen, and night workers.