A suite of twelve reduction linoprints with images derived directly from details of the 13th century ‘Zodiac’ stained-glass window in Chartres cathedral, Northern France.
They are printed in sole editions of twenty prints each. Each of the eight circular prints is 24cm diameter, the other four are of the same relative size.
The price of each print is £100.
(Please click on the gallery to view the images at a larger size.)
The origin of this image is from the Greek myth of the Ram with the Golden Fleece which was ultimately sacrificed, and subsequently placed among the stars by Zeus.
This is derived from the tale of one of Zeus’ many affairs – that with Europa, to whom he was so attracted that he came to her as a bull, making him irresistible.
Known also as the Roman gods Castor and Pollux, sons of Leda, and whom the Romans believed would lead their armies on white steeds and in armour.
The sign of Cancer features in one of the twelve trials of Heracles – fighting the Hydra. Neptune’s daughter Hera sent a giant crab to thwart him, but it didn’t…
An image derived from the first of Heracle’s trials, defeating the Lion of Nemea. Showing also one of the ‘Labours of the Month’ – the grain being harvested.
This is Astraea, goddess of purity and innocence who, after Pandora had opened her box and let loose all evils into the world, was the last deity to return to heaven.
Balancing justice and held by Themis, goddess of divine justice and mother of Astraea. The star constellations of Themis and Astraea (in Virgo) shine side by side.
From the story of Orion the Hunter who was stung to death by a giant scorpion. The time of year when vatting up the new wine is another ‘Labour of the Month’.
Shown as the centaur Cheiron, friend of Heracles who accidentally shot him with a poisoned arrow. Upon death he was elevated as the star constellation Centaurus.
The Babylonian or Sumerian fish-goat; also the goat Amalthea who fed the infant Zeus. Debatable connection to Pan, the god of forest, woodlands and nature.
As Zeus, washing away all evil beings from heaven onto earth; with the tri-faced Roman god Janus, guardian of doorways; from his name ‘January’ and ‘Janitor’.
Representing the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite, and the god of love, Eros. Changed into fish by Zeus to escape the evil Typhon, then swimming down river to safety.