Detail from Cornelis Bega, 'An Astrologer', 1663.
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Palmistry

In a dark room, a man in a scholar's cap and gown sits at a table piled high with books. The celestial globe behind him and the large open book on the table on the right suggest that he is an astrologer. Astrologers study the movements of the stars and planets to interpret their supposed influence on human affairs.

The illustration of a hand in the book may refer to palmistry. This is the art of finding out the future by examining the lines and other features on the palm of the hand. According to a widespread belief in the 17th century the combination of astrology and palmistry could be used to foretell a person's future.

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