Saturn (from the Tarocchi, series A: Firmaments of the Universe, #47)

This engraving is part of the Tarocchi group marked with the letter “A”, and named Firmaments of the Universe. This series comprises the seven planets from the classical astronomy (Moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) and the three celestial spheres that separate them from the Supreme Entity (Prima Causa) from which everything was originated. Here, Saturno (Saturn) is personified as a full-length old male figure, turned to left. He rests on his sickle, at the top of which is a serpent biting its own tail. Saturn is about to devour one of his children, whilst the other four are seated at his feet.