Horoscope of Philip II

Horoscope of Philip II – Ediciones Grial – Real Biblioteca del Monasterio (San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain)

Royal Monastery of El Escorial, San Lorenzo of El Escorial (Spain) — 1551

Detailed insight into the character of one of the richest, most powerful, and most influential kings in European history: the personal horoscope of Philip II of Spain, created by his court astrologist MatĂ­as Haco

  1. Astrology was very popular during the Renaissance, even appealing to a devout man like King Philip II of Spain (1527–98)

  2. Matías Haco, Philip’s court astrologist made him personal horoscope and published it in 1549

  3. These predictions are astonishingly confirmed by details of the King’s biography, defying our modern sensibilities

Horoscope of Philip II

  1. Description
  2. Facsimile Editions (1)
Description
Horoscope of Philip II

Astrology was all the rage during the Renaissance, the calendar pages of books of hours from this period typically contained some mix of zodiac signs, constellations, and other mythical symbols. Elaborate manuscripts were created to aid in fortune telling, some of the most popular parlor games were based on astrology, and princes consulted with court astrologers. Even a devout ruler like King Philip II of Spain did not feel that his piety precluded having a horoscope made for himself.

Horoscope of Philip II

A rare incunabulum, an early printed book originating from before 1501, gives detailed insight into the personal character of one of the richest, most powerful, most influential kings in European history: Philip II of Spain (1527–98). Created by Matías Haco, Philip’s court astrologist, and published in 1549, the work fills in the spaces left blank by official records. The King’s horoscope made a deep impression on Haco, in it he saw singularity and importance portending a great destiny. These predictions are astonishingly confirmed by details of the King’s biography, which flies in the face of our modern prejudice against the pseudo-science. Regardless of the actual prophetic accuracy of the text, it nonetheless gives an accurate and intimate glimpse into the personality of the future monarch.

Codicology

Alternative Titles
El horóscopo de Felipe II
Horoskop Philipps II.
Matthiae Haci Suimbergii medicinae doctoris et mathematici Pronosticon seu Genethliacon Philippi II Hispaniarum Principis
Size / Format
142 pages / 20.5 × 15.5 cm
Origin
Spain
Date
1551
Language
Illustrations
Several astrological diagrams, drawings and charts
Artist / School

Available facsimile editions:
Horoscope of Philip II – Ediciones Grial – Real Biblioteca del Monasterio (San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain)
Ediciones Grial – Valencia, 1995
Limited Edition: 980 copies
Facsimile Editions

#1 El horóscopo de Felipe II

Ediciones Grial – Valencia, 1995

Publisher: Ediciones Grial – Valencia, 1995
Limited Edition: 980 copies
Binding: Half leather binding. Facsimile and commentary volume come in a protective case.
Commentary: 1 volume by Demetrio Santos
Language: Spanish
1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.
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