Roundel of clear glass painted in brown/black pigment and silver stain depicting a figure of Saturn and the symbols for Aquarius and Capricorn. Possibly English (Norwich school), 2nd half 15th century.
Part of a composite panel consisting of C.327, 353, 367-1915, C.89-1950, C.52-1960, C.144-1963, C.75-76-1966 and two unidentified fragments.
STG

The bearded and naked figure of Saturn stands with his left arm upraised holding a serrated sickel, supported under his right arm by a crutch; a star covers his groin. By his right shoulder is a label inscribed in black letters 'Saturnis'. To the right within a circle is the figure of a man pouring water from a jar labelled in black letters 'Aquarius'. To the left, also in a circle, is the figure of a goat labelled in black letters 'Capricornus'. Below is a field of cloud scrolls, in the manner of the Norwich School, in the centre of which a headless figure emerges from a hole.

Bought

Note in Register: This particular arrangment of a planet shown in ascendency over the two appropriate signs of the zodia is quite common in later medieval manuscripts and block books, the subjects forming a set of six. A page from a 15th century German manuscript (BM. Add. Ms. 17987) shows a somewhat similar design. As far as is known, this representation of the subject in English stained glass is unique. Dr. Wentzel also expressed the opinion that he knew nothing like it in German medieval glass. The roundel was acquired by Mr. Dennis King in 1960 from Hill House, Dereham, Norwich (formerly the home of Sir John Fenn of the Paston letters fame) but nothing is known of its earlier provenance, nor are the other five roundels in the series recorded.

Bought from Dennis King for 40 pounds (60/3291).

C.52-1960