Artwork
Octava Spera (Eighth Sphere)
Octava Spera (Eighth Sphere) is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Master of the E-Series Tarocchi. It dates from 1465 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Octava Spera, or “Eighth Sphere,” is a c.
About this work
Overview
Octava Spera, or “Eighth Sphere,” is a c. 1465 engraving executed with gilding by the anonymous workshop known as the Master of the E‑Series Tarocchi. The print presents a solitary, winged figure—interpreted as an angel—standing upon a rounded platform that resembles a globe. The composition is set against a pale background that accentuates the delicate line work and the gilded highlights.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure holds a large circular disc studded with star motifs, suggesting an astronomical or cosmological symbol. The angel’s posture, with the right hand resting on the disc and the left hand grasping it, may allude to the mediation between the celestial sphere and the earthly realm, a theme common in late‑medieval allegorical imagery.
Technique & Style
The work employs intaglio engraving, a method that allowed for fine linear detail, combined with selective gilding to emphasize the figure’s wings and the star‑adorned disc. The crisp lines and subtle shading reflect the Northern Renaissance’s interest in precise rendering, while the gilded accents echo contemporary decorative practices in illuminated manuscripts and luxury prints.
History & Provenance
Attributed to the Master of the E‑Series Tarocchi, a group linked to the production of early tarot cards, the print belongs to a series of allegorical plates that circulated in mid‑15th‑century Italy. Its survival in several collections indicates that it was reproduced and collected as a didactic or decorative object, though its exact ownership trail before the modern era remains undocumented.
Artist & collection
Artist
Master of the E-Series Tarocchi
Master of the E-Series Tarocchi (b. 1400) was an Italian artist.
