Hebrew Bible: Unicorns and Other Creatures (fols. 440v-441)

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman 

Date:
1299–1300
Geography:
Made in Spain
Medium:
Tempera, gold, and ink on parchment
Dimensions:
Overall: 11 7/16 x 8 7/8 x 3 15/16 in., 9.464lb. (29 x 22.5 x 10 cm, 4.293kg)
Classification:
Manuscripts & Illuminations
Credit Line:
Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal, Lisbon (BNP, IL.72)
  • Description

    This bible concludes with a compendium of Hebrew grammar, where some of the most inventive decoration in the book resides. Each double-page spread of the supplementary text provided the artist, Joseph the Frenchman, with an opportunity to experiment with elaborate framing devices. This particularly fanciful example depicts not only apes and goats playing musical instruments but also unicorns and harpies cavorting in the brightly colored margins.

170021897

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