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November
Lithograph, heightened in gold, 55 x 16 cm, by Manuel Orazi, 1895
From by Calendrier magique, by Austin de Croze
Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris

Orazi's contribution to Calendrier magique is the month of November, and the theme is the occult practice of bewitchment through enchanted dolls, symbolising control over life and death. It features imagery of elongated figures and theatrical contrasts, illustrated in lavish detail, creating a mood of arcane ceremony and suggesting that November is a time not of decay alone, but of potent, hidden forces at work beneath the surface. Overall, it captures the spirit of fin-de-siècle occultism: seductive, mysterious, and unsettling. The Calendrier magique itself is an illustrated publication depicting a variety of magical and occult themes, with poetic texts exploring the symbolism of the illustrations. It delves into astrology, alchemy, occultism, and magic, and discusses the nature of their various symbols and practices.


Translation of the text:

Fragile little dolls
As you see them,
Fragile little dolls
Are born under my fingers.

A devious spirit
(Fit for Death),
A devious spirit
Dwells in their clay.

They are baptised,
My fragile dolls,
They are baptised
On the Gospels.

On a Vigil night,
Very solemn,
On a Vigil night,
They must be broken.

And those who resemble
My fine little dolls,
Those who resemble them
Will die in anguish!