By The Cathedral of Segovia

Roman Gods and the Planets

Discover the allegory of the planets through the Roman deities in the tapestries of the Segovia Cathedral

Tapestry and Liturgical Vestments Room (Mid-16th century) by García de CubillasThe Cathedral of Segovia

The seven tapestries of the series «Allegory of the Planets» were woven in Brussels in the second half of the 17th century by Jakob or Josse van Zeunen. They are currently on display in the Tapestry and Liturgical Ornaments Hall of the Segovia Cathedral.

Tapestry and Liturgical Vestments Room by García de CubillasThe Cathedral of Segovia

This theme is unusual in a cathedral. In the 17th century, astrology was one of the disciplines that most influenced the creation of allegories associated with virtues and moral qualities, especially in the art of good governance.

Mars (Second third of the 17th century) by Jakob o Josse van Zeunen I. V. ZThe Cathedral of Segovia

Roman mythology inherited the depiction of gods and goddesses, protectors of the planets, from Greek mythology. The Romans, with a certain syncretism, assigned the names of their deities to the discovered celestial bodies and gave them the corresponding attributes.

Sun (Second third of the 17th century) by Jakob o Josse van Zeunen I. V. ZThe Cathedral of Segovia

Apollo, the Sun

The tapestry highlights the figure of Apollo, who represents the first planet, the Sun, with his lyre. In the background, a city can be seen, and at an intermediate level, two figures that could be Apollo and Daphne, relating to the episode of their unrequited love story.

Moon (Second third of the 17th century) by Jakob o Josse van Zeunen I. V. ZThe Cathedral of Segovia

Diana, the Moon

Diana is the deity of the forests, associated with nature and animals. She is the daughter of the god Jupiter and the Titaness Latona. Her twin brother was the god Apollo. She is considered the goddess of the Moon and is linked to fertility. In the tapestry, she appears hunting in a forest clearing.

Mars (Second third of the 17th century) by Jakob o Josse van Zeunen I. V. ZThe Cathedral of Segovia

Mars

Mars is the quintessential Roman god, and his cult was more important than that of Jupiter. He is the god of war, and he is depicted in this tapestry wearing armor and a helmet. In his right hand, he holds a sword, and in his left, a shield and a torch with which he rallies the army.

Mercury (Second third of the 17th century) by Jakob o Josse van Zeunen I. V. ZThe Cathedral of Segovia

Mercury

As the messenger of the heavens, he represents the power of speech and is identified with the Greek god Hermes, patron of travelers and messenger of the gods. Son of Jupiter and the Pleiad Maia, he appears in the center of the tapestry, draped in a sagum and toga, surrounded by music nymphs.

Jupiter (Second third of the 17th century) by Jakob o Josse van Zeunen I. V. ZThe Cathedral of Segovia

Jupiter

Jupiter, bearded, is depicted at one end of the tapestry wearing a richly embroidered cloak. Son of Saturn, he fought his father for the throne and, when he triumphed, became the king of all the gods. The scene takes place in a lush forest.

Venus (Second third of the 17th century) by Jakob o Josse van Zeunen I. V. ZThe Cathedral of Segovia

Venus

Venus is the goddess of love, and here she appears dressed in a tunic and cloak. In the Roman calendar, April was the month dedicated to this deity, whose birth was linked to the effect of the sea foam. In the tapestry, a cupid can be seen, and to the left, a man and a woman in a gallant pose.

Saturn (Second third of the 17th century) by Jakob o Josse van Zeunen I. V. ZThe Cathedral of Segovia

Saturn

Saturn is the Roman god of agriculture and time, which is why he is depicted with a sickle. Father of Jupiter, he appears in the tapestry carrying an hourglass on a chariot. Around him are the signs of the zodiac.

Credits: Story

Promoted by: Chapter of Segovia Cathedral
Direction and texts: Adolfo Rubio Pascual-Muerte
Images: Segovia Cathedral

Credits: All media

The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

The Cathedral of Segovia