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
Events
{{event.eventWeekdayShortString.$t}}
{{event.eventMonthDayShortString.$t}}
{{event.eventYearShortString.$t}}
{{event.calendarInfo.calendar.calendarName.$t}}
{{event.shortTitle.$t}}{{event.eventTimeString.$t}}
Publications
Book of Beasts: The Bestiary in the Medieval World
Edited by Elizabeth Morrison with Larisa Grollemond
Julie Berry
Illustrated by April Lee
Elizabeth Morrison
Purchase this and other publications in the Getty Museum Store
Mobile
Hear the enthralling stories of the creatures of the medieval bestiary and discover how they continue to fascinate.
Pick up a multimedia player free of charge in the Museum Entrance Hall or use your own smartphone on our free GettyLink Wi-Fi.
EXHIBITION RESOURCES
Discover more about the works featured in the exhibition.
Social Media
Curator's Gallery Tour
Join Book of Beasts curators Elizabeth Morrison and Larisa Grollemond as they give a special walkthrough of the exhibition on Facebook Live.