The Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center
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The Astrologer

Designed by Howard Tsvi Kaplan
Collection of Sarasota Opera Association, Inc.
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No fairy tale would be complete without magic. The character of the Astrologer in The Golden Cockerel is sometimes described as a sorcerer. Both are technically correct as the character is supposed to be an Eastern magus. Magi, as they were known, were the legendary magicians of ancient Persia. They were, in fact, scholars, astronomers, and mathematicians. Their “magical powers” would today be called science.
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Howard Tsvi Kaplan's original design for the Astrologer
​The three kings described in the Bible who traveled from far away lands to visit Jesus of Nazareth on the night of his birth were among these scholars. They were traditionally described as magi until the 17th century when magic and witchcraft became particularly taboo in England, Scotland, and America. Thus, in the King James version of the Bible, the three “magi” were changed to three “kings.”
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Detail from Peter Paul Rubens's Adoration of the Magi, Museo del Prado, Madrid
It is from these ancient traditions that wizards and sorcerers became associated with stars and moons. Many fairy tales depict them was having these symbols on their garments. 
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This closeup shows the intricate embroidery and layers of patterns and textures that bring the Astrologer's costume to life.
This costume is both wizardly and of middle eastern influence. The astrologer in Ivan Bilibin’s original book illustrations for The Tale of the Golden Cockerel wears a large Moorish style turban.  ​
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Illustration detail from The Tale of the Golden Cockerel by Ivan Bilibin
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Ivan Bilibin's 1909 costume design for the Astrologer

Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center
​University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
2 Marilyn Horne Way, Bradford,  Pennsylvania 16701
Phone: 814-362-7990
Email: [email protected]
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© 2017-2024 Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center,
University of Pittsburgh, Bradford

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  • Home
  • PLAN YOUR VISIT
    • Hours and Location
    • Cafe
    • Museum Explorers >
      • Pittsburgh Museum Visit November 2023
    • Museum News
  • Events
    • 90th Birthday Tribute
    • Candlelight Concert Series
    • Museum Store Sunday
  • Exhibits
    • African American Voices
    • Henry Lewis: American Maestro
    • The Art of Opera Costume
    • Beyond Beethoven
    • The Music of Christmas
  • Group Tours
    • Group Tours
    • Conferences & Events
    • High Tea at Horne Hall
    • Private Dining
  • ABOUT THE MUSEUM
    • About the Museum
    • About Marilyn Horne
    • Education Resources
    • Student Employment
    • Media Inquiries
  • Donate
    • Impact
    • Donate Today!
    • Opera Guild
  • Shop