Christofe de Cattan

Christofe de Cattan, also known as Christopher Cattan, was an Italian humanist active in the mid-16th century. Though of Italian origin, he was associated with Geneva and served as a man-at-arms in France, writing in French. His primary known contribution is "La Géomancie," a treatise on Geomancy. The work was published posthumously in Paris in 1558, with subsequent editions appearing in 1567 and 1577. Much of what is understood about Cattan comes from the book itself, including his references to authorities like Hugo of Santalla, Bartholomew of Parma, and a Hebrew text. The first printed edition was edited and augmented by Gabriel Dupréau, a theologian and translator, who noted that Cattan's original French was heavily influenced by Italian and somewhat obscure. The book was later translated into English by Francis Sparry in 1591. Cattan's service as a soldier under Jean de Thais, a prominent military figure, provided him with practical experience and subjects for his geomantic readings, some of which are dated to the 1530s and 1540s.

Christofe de Cattan, whose name may also appear as Christopher Cattan, was a humanist author of the mid-sixteenth century. While his origins were Italian, he was associated with Geneva and served as a man-at-arms in France, writing his works in the French language. His life spanned at least into the 1540s, with his death occurring before 1558. Current scholarly views suggest he may have been a Genoese individual named Cristoforo Cattaneo. Information about him is largely derived from his own writings, particularly his book on Geomancy.

Cattan is principally known for his work on Geomancy, titled "La Géomancie du Seigneur Christofe de Cattan." This significant treatise was published posthumously in Paris in 1558, with later editions following in 1567 and 1577. The first printed version was revised and expanded by editor Gabriel Dupréau, who described Cattan's original text as being difficult and more Italian than French. Cattan himself stated he wrote the book at the request of his military superior, Monsieur de Tays, to whom he was a soldier and servant. The book draws upon important Geomantic texts, including a treatise translated from Arabic by Hugo of Santalla, Bartholomew of Parma's "Tractatus Sphaerae," and a Hebrew text.

The biographical context of Christofe de Cattan can be partially inferred from the examples within his "Géomance." These illustrate his practice of Geomancy, often performed for notable individuals and concerning events between the 1530s and 1540s. He mentions readings for figures like Pope Paul III, French ambassadors, and military preparations involving Charles V. Cattan also details readings requested by his patron, Jean de Thais (Seigneur de Thais), as well as for other nobles and figures at the French court, including a horse purchase for M. de Tays and a reading concerning the death of the Comte de Nouelaire. Cattan also expressed intentions to write on Physiognomy and Chiromancy.