Monday, February 25, 2013

Wheels




Angels Turning the Wheel of the Universe, miniature, French, 14th century.


Piero di puccio, cosmografia teologica, 1389-1391


Psalter World Map 1260


thomas of cantimpré liber de natura rerum

Hildegard von Bingen Liber Divinorum Operum
Many of these circular references also include the the four basic elements in conjunction with the senses, as sight can not exist without fire, nor smelling without air. Taste is related to water and touch is represented by earth. 
The circular reference is also seen in the many depictions of the zodiac during this time, the word zodiac comes from the German word tierkriez which literally translates to circle of animals 
The general theme relates to being one with the universe and all things being related to nature. This was used to determine how to construct and rule the state and the Wheel of Longthrope embodies this idea. Here the senses are thought to also represent the bureaucratic and military organs of the government.The Wheel of Longthrope itself symbolizes ideal government led by a king on basis of cooperation with government officials.