Griffin (detail) from Book of Flowers (text in Latin), French and Belgian, 1460; artist unknown, author, Lambert, canon of Saint Omer. The Hague, Koninklijke Bibliotheek, National Library of the Netherlands, Ms. 72 A 23, fol. 46 Griffin (detail) from Book of Flowers (text in Latin), French and Belgian, 1460; artist unknown, author, Lambert, canon of Saint Omer. The Hague, Koninklijke Bibliotheek, National Library of the Netherlands, Ms. 72 A 23, fol. 46

Animals tumble, soar, and race through the pages of the bestiary, a popular type of medieval book describing the beasts of the world. Abounding with vibrant and fascinating images, the bestiary brought real and fantastical creatures to life for readers. So cherished were these vividly imagined beasts, they often “escaped” from manuscripts to inhabit other art works made during the medieval period, and even up to the present day.

Generous support from the Leonetti/O’Connell Family Foundation, the Ruddock Foundation for the Arts, Jeffrey P. Cunard, and Elizabeth and Mark S. Siegel

Additional support from Frances Beatty and Allen Adler, Ariane David on behalf of the Ernest Lieblich Foundation, the J. Paul Getty Museum Director’s Council, Dar and Geri Reedy, Virginia Schirrmeister, and Brian and Kathy Stokes

Selected Works

Publications

Book of Beasts: The Bestiary in the Medieval World

Book of Beasts: The Bestiary in the Medieval World

Edited by Elizabeth Morrison with Larisa Grollemond

Don’t Let the Beasts Escape!

Julie Berry
Illustrated by April Lee

Beasts Factual and Fantastic

Beasts Factual and Fantastic

Elizabeth Morrison


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EXHIBITION RESOURCES

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