The Astrologer

Designed by Howard Tsvi Kaplan
Collection of Sarasota Opera Association, Inc.

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.

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.”

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. 

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.  ​

Illustration detail from The Tale of the Golden Cockerel by Ivan Bilibin

Ivan Bilibin's 1909 costume design for the Astrologer