This paper proposes the analysis of the pictorial programmes of certain manuscripts of the illuminated Bestiaries of the 12th and the 13th centuries. These specific iconographical programmes represent a considerable development of the exemplar, moralizing, mystical and didactic significance of the animal images of the paleochristian Physiologus. The iconographical devices chosen for several representations of animals (such as Lion, Fox and others), birds (Caladrius for example) and sea creatures (Whale), reveal a particular orientation to the program of each book and define its function and significance in the relation to the ownership, destination and commission of these illuminated manuscripts. - [Abstract]

Language: English

1846-8551; DOI: 10.1484/J.IKON.3.45