2014/03/13 by Geoffrey Shamos · 1 citation
Arts and Humanities · Physics and Astronomy · #Historical and Architectural Studies #Historical Astronomy and Related Studies #History and Developments in Astronomy #Astrology #Planet #Astrobiology #History #Astronomy #Art #Literature #Physics
paper · doi:10.1558/jsrnc.v7i4.434
openalex publication_date 2014/03/13 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
During the Early Modern period, many believed that the seven planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, the sun, and the moon—affected the course of terrestrial events and determined the temperament, complexion, profession, and even the manner of death of individuals. Such concepts were depicted by artists in a series of images commonly referred to as the ‘Children of the Planets’. By merging scientific knowledge and popular imagery, the convention helped to shape the contemporary understanding of the cosmos. Astrology is often described in terms of the correspondence between the macrocosm and the microcosm or the universe and the individual, but by linking diverse individuals according to mutual planetary affiliations, the ‘Children of the Planets’ also offered a system for categorizing corporate identity and defining social relations.