Mars Urtica • Planherbarium linocut paper print

These botanical prints are all part of research done between 2016 and 2018, called Planherbarium: it studies the relationship between plants and planets in astrology, medicine, mythology, usage and folklore.

Mars is the planet that in the human body corresponds to head-mind, and to Aries, the first fire, the spark, in astrology. It symbolises Will and courage which, unheeded, can change into cruelty.
Mars is iron, fire and war: and the nettle is rich in iron, burning like fire, bringing as much pain as war. At the same time, however, it is very rich in purifying and invigorating properties, and is a humble plant that can be found almost all year round, at the service of those who observe it. It corresponds to Mars, and in fact has a virile, masculine demeanour. Just think how proudly and willingly it grows again even after it has been cut several times.

The nettle is the bearer of great inner medicine:
It gives the strength to go on when, due to the adversities of life, the inner fire tends to diminish, cooling the animus and thus losing the necessary strength to continue on the path.

This print measuring 35x22cm circa, and is printed in dark green Caligo ink on Favini Materica 250g printmaking paper.
All prints in this limited edition are handmade and handpulled on a press, and each print is signed and numbered.
This a limited edition of 10 prints that will never be reprinted due to the extreme wear and tear of the blocks.

Due to the slightly structured texture of the paper, this print is a bit difficult to print, and is likely to have a bit of "lino noise" and slight variations. This is not to be considered a flaw, but is inherent to the handmade nature of the artwork and process, and a welcome reference to the particular tradition of printing it stems from.