Puzzling Out the Zodiacal Disk of Brindisi
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The zodiacal disk of Brindisi has long been at the center of a debate regarding its dating. In this study, I will attempt not only to propose a new date but also to explain its iconographic singularities. In the overall production of zodiacal images, the disk stands out has an exception. Indeed, it does not follow the dictates of the principles of composition that characterize the zodiacal image for two main reasons: the constellations do not follow the natural astronomical order and some of them present unique iconographic characteristics, i.e. Sagittarius in the form of an ichtyocentaur and not the canonic centaur archer. It is precisely these peculiarities that will be the starting point of my investigation in order to provide not only a new dating of the disc, but also an exegesis based on the philosophical texts related to the fate of the soul that the object seems to depict, and reflect, in the apparent “zodiacal chaos” that characterize it.
Source: Pallas
DOI: 10.4000/16381
Author: Fabio Spadini
Language: English
Subfield: Archeology
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7154706391