Oct 15-16, 2026
Mapping Saturn: The Visual Cultures of a Planet from Antiquity to the Early Modern World
Few astral depictions of heavenly bodies demonstrate the transmission of astral knowledge across Eurasia as clearly as that of Saturn, the seventh planet in the Platonic and Ptolemaic order. From the garments and objects associated with the planet to the symbols and figures linked to its representation, Saturn’s imagery reflects the circulation and transformation of knowledge across cultures and centuries.
This workshop investigates the symbolism and iconography of Saturn as it appears in ancient, medieval, and early modern cosmologies and within material culture from Europe to East Asia. This dark star, associated with melancholy, wisdom, and the passage of time, occupies a singular place in the history of astral science and visual culture. Through its many forms, the planet reflects a shared intellectual and artistic heritage shaped by exchanges between Greek, Iranian, Islamic, Indian, and Chinese traditions.
Contact and Registration
This workshop is open to the public. To register, please contact Aida Alavi.