Graphic representations of astrological systems of thinking

Abstract

Ascribing meaning to the movement of stars and planets was for a long time a way for people to make sense of their existence. It is, therefore, not surprising that during different periods, astrology and astronomy produced a wide range of representations which reflected that attitude. This thesis is an exploration of the topic of astrology and astronomy in art, how through the history people inspired by the stars and space objects, was trying to find answers on existential questions, created various art pieces. Firstly, the focus will be on definitions, differences, origins of astrology and astronomy, and some examples of the very first pieces of evidence about appearing those studies. Then, art pieces for instance the Temple of Kukulkan or Pyramids, and ways of developing those sciences and mythologies in different ancient civilizations such as Maya, Egypt, Greece, and Rome will be explored. In the same chapter later, focus will be slightly shifted to the base of astrology and also different mystic studies such as Kabbalah, Neoplatonism, etc. - the system of four elements, which also based the practical part of the diploma. The topic of the system of four elements will be described into five main periods such as Pre-Aristotle, Aristotle, Middle age, Renaissance, and Post-Renaissance periods of its development. The following chapter directed on the system of cosmos in antiquity and Middle Ages, where some diagrams, maps, and visual representations of how people in those periods visualized the Universe, will be shown. In the third chapter will be discussed the difference between the Renaissance astrological system and Copernicus one, since in those periods happened the pivotal shift to the heliocentrism in the perception of the world. In the fourth chapter, the main topic will be artists and their artworks connected to astrology or astronomy. For instance, Leonardo da Vinci and painting The Last Supper, or Jacopo Tintoretto and his painting The Origin of the Milky Way. In the conclusion attention will be on how astrology and astronomy impacting the art nowadays, with some examples of modern well-known artworks of different spheres, which was inspired by stars, like film saga Star Wars or a cartoon Futurama, ending with personal expectations on how astrology and astronomy will impact art. In addition, the definitions of micro- and macrocosm, astrological basics, twofoldness of astrology as a science, and philosophical sides of four elements and world perception will be exposed. Parts of the thesis are mostly based on the book by Alexander Roob, Alchemy and Mysticism, and on the book The elements. A very short introduction by Philip Ball, besides, of course, based on different articles, documentaries, and other sources, which will be mentioned later. To sum up, it is an exploration of the huge topic of how the perception of the world impact on art through history and which tendencies could be expected because of it. How people excited by the sky, stars, planets, created, and still creating various truly beautiful art pieces.