Manuscript

Hoofdbibliotheek Biekorf Brugge, Ms. 411
(De natura rerum)

Codicology

Produced: Flanders, 15th-16th century
Current Location: Hoofdbibliotheek Biekorf Brugge, Brugge, Belgium
Manuscript Type: Encyclopedia
Language: Latin
Folios: 336
Author: Thomas of Cantimpré
Illustrated: Yes
Media: Parchment
Dimensions: Height: 35 cm Width: 25 cm
Sample page - Hoofdbibliotheek Biekorf Brugge Ms. 411
Folio 36v

Description

The De natura rerum, an encyclopedia by Thomas of Cantimpré.

The animal sections (books 4-9) are complete. The first part of book 4 (quadrupeds) is illustrated with full color images in frames. From folio 41r rectangular spaces were left for illustrations that were not completed. The section on the monstrous human races is also illustrated.


From the library description:

The manuscript dates back to the fifteenth and sixteenth century. It was owned by Ten Duinen Abbey. The manuscript is not complete: it starts with the "monstrous men" of the East (book 3); it only contains the first part of book 20. The first books are richly illustrated, particularly the chapter on different human appearances. On Folio 4r a drawing of a human-eating cyclops is featured, as well as hairy wild men, hermaphrodites, and a giantess.

Additional Descriptions

Additional description

Editions and Facsimiles

Digital facsimiles

Hoofdbibliotheek Biekorf Brugge