Lecture: The Emergence of Astrological Symbolism in Medieval Art and Architecture with a special emphasis on Chartres Cathedral
About
The vibrant intellectual centres of the Islamic world brought Greek thought and science to medieval Europe from the 12th century onwards. For example, Ptolemy’s 2nd century Almagestus, one of the most influential mathematical and astronomical texts in history, was translated from Arabic into Latin by Gerard de Cremona in the 12th century AD. Other important scientific texts by Aristotle and the 9th century Persian astrologer Abu Ma'shar al-Balkhi were also translated into Latin from Arabic in the 12th and 13th centuries AD.
During this period, Zodiacal imagery begins to appear and the Zodiac emerges as a link to the seasons, a way of making sense of the movement of time, and profoundly as a symbolic bridge to the Divine. In Chartres Cathedrals the Zodiac appears in stone and stained glass at least three times. Many other cathedrals from the late medieval period in France and elsewhere contain Zodiacal imagery. The planets and signs began to fill late medieval Books of Hours, illuminating the borders of manuscripts.
This illustrated lecture will examine how this archetypal symbolism continues to move through us.
Key information
How do I attend?
This event will take place in person at:
The King's Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG
What days/times do I attend?
Wednesday 9 December 2026, 18:30 – 20:00
Booking Options
About
The vibrant intellectual centres of the Islamic world brought Greek thought and science to medieval Europe from the 12th century onwards. For example, Ptolemy’s 2nd century Almagestus, one of the most influential mathematical and astronomical texts in history, was translated from Arabic into Latin by Gerard de Cremona in the 12th century AD. Other important scientific texts by Aristotle and the 9th century Persian astrologer Abu Ma'shar al-Balkhi were also translated into Latin from Arabic in the 12th and 13th centuries AD.
During this period, Zodiacal imagery begins to appear and the Zodiac emerges as a link to the seasons, a way of making sense of the movement of time, and profoundly as a symbolic bridge to the Divine. In Chartres Cathedrals the Zodiac appears in stone and stained glass at least three times. Many other cathedrals from the late medieval period in France and elsewhere contain Zodiacal imagery. The planets and signs began to fill late medieval Books of Hours, illuminating the borders of manuscripts.
This illustrated lecture will examine how this archetypal symbolism continues to move through us.
Key information
How do I attend?
This event will take place in person at:
The King's Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG
What days/times do I attend?
Wednesday 9 December 2026, 18:30 – 20:00
Our payments are processed using : Sage Pay
