MINIATURIST, Spanish
(active 1270s)

Libro de Astromagia, folio 36r

1276-79
Manuscript (Reg.lat.1283.pt.A), parchment
Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana

The picture shows folio 36r containing two-column text and circular miniatures below both columns.

The Libro de Astromagia contains very rare representations of a magus or necromancer performing magical ceremonies. In some cases, such as that of empowering a magical ring with celestial rays, what we see is a fairly safe, licit practice; at other times, however, the magician is engaged in a far more dangerous necromantic ritual.

In the miniature on folio 36r, for instance, a magician is shown standing in a magic rectangle and invoking a Mercurial Spirit, which appears to him riding on a winged elephant.

The circular miniatures, often medallions or diagrams, function as visual anchors that "fix" the magical power described in the text to a specific image. Their circular shape emphasises the cyclical nature of celestial influence.