Augury Collection
"Augury: Unveiling the Mysteries of Fate and Fortune" Step into the realm of ancient divination as we explore the captivating world of augury
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"Augury: Unveiling the Mysteries of Fate and Fortune" Step into the realm of ancient divination as we explore the captivating world of augury. From Romulus consulting the Augury to witches feasting at the Sabbath, these engravings and lithographs transport us through time, revealing humanity's quest for glimpses into the future. In "A Way of Telling the Future, " Mlle. Formentin's intricate lithograph from 1824-27 captures our fascination with foretelling destiny. Meanwhile, "Aruspice" takes us back to Ancient Rome in a vibrant color lithograph from 1796, showcasing an augur interpreting omens by observing birds' behavior. Delving deeper into folklore and superstition, "The Devil" presents a chilling scene where a flying goat carries a witch to her unholy gathering. Swabia in 1533 witnessed destruction as depicted in "Witches destroying a house by fire, " reminding us of both fear and fascination surrounding witchcraft. As we peer into history's mystical practices, illustrations like "Fragment of Divining Bone" showcase ancient methods employed for fortune-telling. Similarly, Homer's epic tale comes alive with "Bird of Portent, " illustrating how even literature embraced signs and symbols as guides for human actions. But it is not only individuals who sought guidance; entire military strategies were plotted according to celestial events such as eclipses. The intriguing engraving depicting this very concept reminds us that even great conquerors relied on auguries when planning their campaigns. Finally, we witness Romulus himself seeking counsel from an Augur in John Leech's evocative artwork from 1852. This portrayal highlights how integral these priests were to Roman society - interpreting avian messages that shaped crucial decisions within their empire. Join us on this journey through time and belief systems as we unravel the mysteries behind augury.