Mastiffs from BL Royal 12 F XIII, f. 29v
Detail of a two-part miniature of mastiffs guarding sheep. Image taken from f. 29v of Bestiary (ff. 3-141), Lapidary (ff. 141v-149). Written in Latin and French. The BL Royal Manuscript Collection, also known ... More
Cranes from BL Royal 12 C XIX, f. 40
Detail of a miniature of cranes. Image taken from f. 40 of Bestiary, and various theological texts, e.g., Isidore of Seville, Imago Mundi. Written in Latin. The BL Royal Manuscript Collection, also known as th... More
Plants from BL Harley 1585, ff. 38v-39
Miniatures of plants. Image taken from ff. 38v-39 of Medical miscellany of a pharmacopeial compilation, including a herbal and bestiary illustrating the pharmocopeial properties of animals (see Notes). Written ... More
Beaver from BL Royal 12 F XIII, f. 14
Detail of a miniature of a beaver biting off his testicles and a hunter with dogs. Image taken from f. 14 of Bestiary (ff. 3-141), Lapidary (ff. 141v-149). Written in Latin and French. The BL Royal Manuscript ... More
Gks16330043v - Public domain scan / drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Gks16330134v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Anphivena from BL Harley 4751, f. 62
Detail of a miniature of an anphivena. Image taken from f. 62 of Bestiary, with extracts from Giraldus Cambrensis on Irish birds. Written in Latin. The "BL Harley Manuscript" refers to a collection of medieval... More
Plants from BL Harley 1585, f. 22
Miniatures of plants, including artemisia (field wormwood), and a woman offering a plant to a centaur (Diana and Chiron the centaur). Image taken from f. 22 of Medical miscellany of a pharmacopeial compilation,... More
Bodleian-Library-MS-Bodl-764 00070 fol-074v-sirene
A group of fish-tailed wingless sirens (Latin: "sýrene") in water, by a ship. Bestiary (Oxford, Bodleian Libraries, Bodl. 764, fol. 74v)
Gks16330112v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Gks16330133v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Owl from BL Harley 4751, f. 47 - Public domain medieval manuscript
Detail of a miniature of an owl (Bubo) being attacked by three smaller birds. Image taken from f. 47 of Bestiary, with extracts from Giraldus Cambrensis on Irish birds. Written in Latin. The "BL Harley Manuscr... More
Ox from BL Royal 12 C XIX, f. 32v
Miniature of an ox. Image taken from f. 32v of Bestiary, and various theological texts, e.g., Isidore of Seville, Imago Mundi. Written in Latin. The BL Royal Manuscript Collection, also known as the Royal Coll... More
Mermaid from BL Sloane 3544, f. 28v
Detail of a miniatures of men in a boat, and a mermaid holding fish. Image taken from f. 28v of Bestiary. Written in Latin. Sir Hans Sloane (1660-1753) was a physician and naturalist who played a crucial role ... More
Plants from BL Harley 1585, ff. 37v-38
Miniatures of plants. Image taken from ff. 37v-38 of Medical miscellany of a pharmacopeial compilation, including a herbal and bestiary illustrating the pharmocopeial properties of animals (see Notes). Written ... More
Sheep and ewes from BL Royal 12 F XIII, f. 35
Detail of a miniature of sheep and ewes. Image taken from f. 35 of Bestiary (ff. 3-141), Lapidary (ff. 141v-149). Written in Latin and French. The BL Royal Manuscript Collection, also known as the Royal Collec... More
Basilisk and regulus from BL Royal 12 C XIX, f. 63
Miniature of a basilisk and two victims of its murderous gaze, a man and a ermine or ferret, and a miniature of a regulus. Image taken from f. 63 of Bestiary, and various theological texts, e.g., Isidore of Sev... More
Gks16330053v - Public domain scenic drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Owls from BL Harley 4751, f. 46v
Detail of a roundel of two owls, one of whom has caught a rodent. Image taken from f. 46v of Bestiary, with extracts from Giraldus Cambrensis on Irish birds. Written in Latin. The "BL Harley Manuscript" refers... More
Onager from BL Sloane 278, f. 49v
Detail of a miniature of a wild ass (onager). Image taken from f. 49v of Aviarium (index Bestiary); Bestiary, in the Dicta Chrysostomi form (index Physiologus). Written in Latin. Sir Hans Sloane (1660-1753) ... More
Two knights and two horses fighting from BL Royal 12 F XIII, f. 42v
Detail of a miniature of two knights fighting on foot with swords, while their horses are fighting each other on hind legs. Image taken from f. 42v of Bestiary (ff. 3-141), Lapidary (ff. 141v-149). Written in L... More
Manticore from BL Royal 12 F XIII, f. 24v
Detail of a miniature of a manticore, a creature with the body of a lion, the head of a man, and the tail of a scorpion. Image taken from f. 24v of Bestiary (ff. 3-141), Lapidary (ff. 141v-149). Written in Lati... More
Cedar tree from BL Sloane 278, f. 13v
Miniature of a tree with 6 bird nests, with a seated man in the centre. Image taken from f. 13v of Aviarium (index Bestiary); Bestiary, in the Dicta Chrysostomi form (index Physiologus). Written in Latin. Si... More
Magpies from BL Royal 12 C XIX, f. 42v
Detail of a miniature of two magpies. Image taken from f. 42v of Bestiary, and various theological texts, e.g., Isidore of Seville, Imago Mundi. Written in Latin. The BL Royal Manuscript Collection, also known... More
Oxen from BL Royal 12 F XIII, f. 37v
Detail of a miniature of a man ploughing with oxen. Image taken from f. 37v of Bestiary (ff. 3-141), Lapidary (ff. 141v-149). Written in Latin and French. The BL Royal Manuscript Collection, also known as the ... More
"Hawk on Perch", Folio from a Bestiary and Herbal
Public domain photo of a golden object, Iran, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Morgan M.81, f.037r-bonacon - Public domain dedication image
A bonnacon (Latin: "bonacon") from a Latin bestiary (Worksop Bestiary, Morgan Library M.81, fol. 37r). It is firing its incendiary excrements from its posterior at a band of armed men.
Bishop-fish - Drawing. Public domain image.
A relatively benign merman complete with scales caught in the Baltic Sea in 1531 according to Johann Zahn's sources. In: "Specula physico- mathematico-historica notabilium ac mirabilium sciendorum" by Johann Za... More
Gks16330017v - Public domain portrait drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Gks16330111v - Public domain scan / drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Gks16330152v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Cow from BL Harley 4751, f. 23 - Public domain medieval manuscript
Detail of a miniature of woman milking a cow, who is licking its calf. Image taken from f. 23 of Bestiary, with extracts from Giraldus Cambrensis on Irish birds. Written in Latin. The "BL Harley Manuscript" re... More
Bonnacon from BL Harley 4751, f. 11
Detail of a miniature of hunters spearing a bonnacon, and protecting themselves from its burning dung with a shield. Image taken from f. 11 of Bestiary, with extracts from Giraldus Cambrensis on Irish birds. Wr... More
Animals from BL Royal 12 F XIII, f. 9
Detail of a miniature of stags, a striped creature with cloven hooves, and dragons. Image taken from f. 9 of Bestiary (ff. 3-141), Lapidary (ff. 141v-149). Written in Latin and French. The BL Royal Manuscript ... More
Plants from BL Harley 1585, ff. 54v-55
Miniatures of plants. Image taken from ff. 54v-55 of Medical miscellany of a pharmacopeial compilation, including a herbal and bestiary illustrating the pharmocopeial properties of animals (see Notes). Written ... More
Grotesque dragons from BL Royal 2 B VII, f. 138v
Detail of a bas-de-page scene of two grotesque dragons, with heads in their tails, twisted together (similar to the amphivena of bestiaries). Image taken from f. 138v of Psalter ('The Queen Mary Psalter'). Writ... More
MS Bodl. 764 - Public domain dedication image
Collection of medieval manuscript pages from various sources selected by BibliOdyssey.
Gks16330057v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Gks16330123v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
"Hawk on Perch", Folio from a Bestiary and Herbal
Public domain photo of a golden object, Iran, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Siren from BL Harley 4751, f. 47v
Detail of a miniature of the siren (Syrene) or mermaid who holds a fish, and the prow of a boat with two men in it, one rowing. Image taken from f. 47v of Bestiary, with extracts from Giraldus Cambrensis on Iri... More
Vipers from BL Harley 4751, f. 60
Miniature of a viper, birthing its babies through its side. Image taken from f. 60 of Bestiary, with extracts from Giraldus Cambrensis on Irish birds. Written in Latin. The "BL Harley Manuscript" refers to a c... More
Dragon and elephant from BL Harley 4751, f. 58v
Detail of a miniature of a dragon attacking an elephant. Image taken from f. 58v of Bestiary, with extracts from Giraldus Cambrensis on Irish birds. Written in Latin. The "BL Harley Manuscript" refers to a col... More
Cranes from BL Royal 12 C XIX, f. 40
Miniature of cranes. Image taken from f. 40 of Bestiary, and various theological texts, e.g., Isidore of Seville, Imago Mundi. Written in Latin. The BL Royal Manuscript Collection, also known as the Royal Coll... More
Basilisk from BL Royal 12 C XIX, f. 63
Detail of a miniature of a basilisk and two victims of its murderous gaze, a man and a ermine or ferret. Image taken from f. 63 of Bestiary, and various theological texts, e.g., Isidore of Seville, Imago Mundi.... More
Folio from a Bestiary and Herbal
Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
"Hawk on Perch", Folio from a Bestiary and Herbal
Public domain photograph of 3d object, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Zahn, Johann - Mythical Satyrus marinus - 1696
Mythical Satyrus marinus - a sea-going merman satyr. Part man, part goat, part fish. In: "Specula physico-mathematico-historica ....", NOAA Library Call Number Q155 .Z33 Image ID: libr0079, Treasures of the NO... More
Gks16330061v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Gks16330065v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Gks16330086v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Gks16330085v (cropped) - Public domain portrait drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Gks16330114v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Beavers from BL Harley 4751, f. 9v
Detail of a miniature of beavers (Castor) with hunters, illustrating the text that the beavers' testicles had healing properties, and that the animals would bite them off in order to escape capture. Image taken... More
Caladrius from BL Harley 4751, f. 40
Detail of a miniature of a caladrius perching at the bedside of a king, illustrating the text that states that the bird has the power to foretell whether an ill patient will live or die. If the bird turns its... More
Unicorn from BL Royal 12 F XIII, f. 21
Detail of a miniature of a unicorn. Image taken from f. 21 of Bestiary (ff. 3-141), Lapidary (ff. 141v-149). Written in Latin and French. The BL Royal Manuscript Collection, also known as the Royal Collection,... More
Tiger from BL Royal 12 F XIII, f. 6v
Detail of a miniature of a man capturing a tiger cub by leaving a mirror to distract its mother. Image taken from f. 6v of Bestiary (ff. 3-141), Lapidary (ff. 141v-149). Written in Latin and French. The BL Roy... More
Bees from BL Royal 12 C XIX, f. 45
Detail of a miniature of bees returning to their hive. Image taken from f. 45 of Bestiary, and various theological texts, e.g., Isidore of Seville, Imago Mundi. Written in Latin. The BL Royal Manuscript Collec... More
Mice and worms from BL Royal 12 C XIX, f. 23v
Detail of a miniature of mice and worms. Image taken from f. 23v of Bestiary, and various theological texts, e.g., Isidore of Seville, Imago Mundi. Written in Latin. The BL Royal Manuscript Collection, also kn... More
Tiger from BL Sloane 3544, f. 2
Miniature of a tiger. Image taken from f. 2 of Bestiary. Written in Latin. Sir Hans Sloane (1660-1753) was a physician and naturalist who played a crucial role in the development of British museums and librari... More
Hedgehogs from BL Royal 12 F XIII, f. 45
Detail of a miniature of hedgehogs rolling on grapes to impale them on their spines. Image taken from f. 45 of Bestiary (ff. 3-141), Lapidary (ff. 141v-149). Written in Latin and French. The BL Royal Manuscrip... More
Crocodile from BL Royal 12 F XIII, f. 24
Detail of a miniature of a crocodile. Image taken from f. 24 of Bestiary (ff. 3-141), Lapidary (ff. 141v-149). Written in Latin and French. The BL Royal Manuscript Collection, also known as the Royal Collectio... More
Asp from BL Royal 12 C XIX, f. 66
Text page relating to the asp. Image taken from f. 66 of Bestiary, and various theological texts, e.g., Isidore of Seville, Imago Mundi. Written in Latin. The BL Royal Manuscript Collection, also known as the ... More
Caladrius bird from BL Sloane 3544, f. 24
Miniature of a man in bed with a caladrius bird on his chest. Image taken from f. 24 of Bestiary. Written in Latin. Sir Hans Sloane (1660-1753) was a physician and naturalist who played a crucial role in the d... More
Plants from BL Harley 1585, ff. 34v-35
Miniatures of plants. Image taken from ff. 34v-35 of Medical miscellany of a pharmacopeial compilation, including a herbal and bestiary illustrating the pharmocopeial properties of animals (see Notes). Written ... More
MS Ashmole 1511 - Public domain dedication image
Collection of medieval manuscript pages from various sources selected by BibliOdyssey.
Gks16330051v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Gks16330067v - Public domain drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Gks16330135v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Gks16330141v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Horses from BL Harley 4751, f. 27
Miniature of three horses. Image taken from f. 27 of Bestiary, with extracts from Giraldus Cambrensis on Irish birds. Written in Latin. The "BL Harley Manuscript" refers to a collection of medieval manuscripts... More
Fox from BL Royal 12 F XIII, f. 26v
Detail of a miniature of birds and a fox pretending to be dead, in the upper register, and a fox with a bird in its mouth, in the lower register. Image taken from f. 26v of Bestiary (ff. 3-141), Lapidary (ff. 1... More
Sheep from BL Sloane 3544, f. 16
Detail of a miniature of sheep. Image taken from f. 16 of Bestiary. Written in Latin. Sir Hans Sloane (1660-1753) was a physician and naturalist who played a crucial role in the development of British museums ... More
Man spearing a snake from BL Harley 1585, f. 26
Miniatures of a plant and a man spearing a snake. Image taken from f. 26 of Medical miscellany of a pharmacopeial compilation, including a herbal and bestiary illustrating the pharmocopeial properties of animal... More
Wolf from BL Royal 12 C XIX, f. 19
Detail of a miniature of a wolf approaching a sheepfold. Image taken from f. 19 of Bestiary, and various theological texts, e.g., Isidore of Seville, Imago Mundi. Written in Latin. The BL Royal Manuscript Coll... More
Morgan M.81, f.036v-aper - Public domain dedication image
Boar (Latin: aper) from a Latin bestiary (Worksop Bestiary, Morgan Library M.81, fol. 36v)
Morgan M.81, f.039rv-eale - Public domain dedication image
A yale, or "eale" with the text on reverse side, from a Latin bestiary (Worksop Bestiary, Morgan Library M.81, fol. 39r–39v)
Merman - A drawing of a man with a bird on his head
A relatively benign merman complete with scales caught in the Baltic Sea in 1531 according to Johann Zahn's sources. In: "Specula physico- mathematico-historica notabilium ac mirabilium sciendorum" by Johann Za... More
Gks16330001v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Gks16330020v - Public domain scan / drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Gks16330045v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
80-Oxford 1511 - Pellicano - Public domain dedication image
Bodleian Library, MS. Ashmole 1511, The Ashmole Bestiary, Folio 21r : Pellicano and ', England (Peterborough?), Early 13th century.
Horses from BL Harley 4751, f. 27
Detail of a miniature of three horses. Image taken from f. 27 of Bestiary, with extracts from Giraldus Cambrensis on Irish birds. Written in Latin. The "BL Harley Manuscript" refers to a collection of medieval... More
Basilisk from BL Harley 4751, f. 59
Detail of a miniature of a basilisk, with snakes. Image taken from f. 59 of Bestiary, with extracts from Giraldus Cambrensis on Irish birds. Written in Latin. The "BL Harley Manuscript" refers to a collection ... More
Hyena from BL Harley 4751, f. 10
Detail of a miniature of a hyena (Yena) devouring a human corpse, which it pulls from a tomb. Image taken from f. 10 of Bestiary, with extracts from Giraldus Cambrensis on Irish birds. Written in Latin. The "B... More
Cats and mice from BL Harley 4751, f. 30v
Detail of a miniature of cats, and a mouse; below, a miniature of a mouse stealing eucharistic wafers. Image taken from f. 30v of Bestiary, with extracts from Giraldus Cambrensis on Irish birds. Written in Lati... More
Surgical procedures from BL Harley 1585, f. 9v
Miniature of surgical procedures, including below, the extirpation of nasal polyps, with a surgeon holidng a knife in one hand, and a pipe through which to blow a healing powder in the other. The patient holds... More
Hawk; bats from BL Sloane 3544, f. 30
Miniatures of a hawk perched on the end of a bed and of bats. Image taken from f. 30 of Bestiary. Written in Latin. Sir Hans Sloane (1660-1753) was a physician and naturalist who played a crucial role in the d... More
Hydra from BL Royal 12 C XIX, f. 13
Detail of a miniature of a multi-headed hydra. Image taken from f. 13 of Bestiary, and various theological texts, e.g., Isidore of Seville, Imago Mundi. Written in Latin. The BL Royal Manuscript Collection, al... More
Folio from a Bestiary and Herbal
Public domain photograph of 3d object, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Morgan M.81, f.010v-monocentaurus
Monocentaurus (recté Onocentaurus)[1] from a Latin bestiary (Worksop Bestiary, Morgan Library M.81, fol. 10v)
Sloane278, fol.54r-venator(hunter)&castor
Beavers and a hunter holding a hunting horn. Bestiary, in the Dicta Chrysostomi form, British Library Sloane MS. 278, fol. 54r
Gks16330031v - Public domain scan / drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Gks16330066v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Gks16330064v - Public domain document scan of drawing
The Latin guide to animal life Bestiarius in a manuscript that is illustrated with more than 100 washed drawings, among which a mermaid.
Folio from a Bestiary and Herbal
Public domain photo of a golden object, Iran, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Plants from BL Harley 1585, ff. 51v-52
Miniatures of plants. Image taken from ff. 51v-52 of Medical miscellany of a pharmacopeial compilation, including a herbal and bestiary illustrating the pharmocopeial properties of animals (see Notes). Written ... More
Lions from BL Royal 12 C XIX, f. 6
Detail of miniature of lions breathing life into their cubs, at the beginning of the entry 'De natura leonis'. Image taken from f. 6 of Bestiary, and various theological texts, e.g., Isidore of Seville, Imago M... More
Plants. from BL Harley 1585, ff. 27v-28
Miniatures of plants. Image taken from ff. 27v-28 of Medical miscellany of a pharmacopeial compilation, including a herbal and bestiary illustrating the pharmocopeial properties of animals (see Notes). Written ... More