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Hebrew Bible: Centaurs, Mermen and Other Creatures (fols. 442v-443)

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman

Not on view

Some of the most inventive decoration in this bible resides in the compendium of Hebrew grammar included at the back of the book. Each double-page spread of the supplementary text provided the artist, Joseph the Frenchman, with an opportunity to experiment with elaborate framing devices. Here, the text is enclosed within an interlocking geometric form, while an array of creatures—from centaurs to hens and chicks—inhabits the margins.

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman, Tempera, gold, and ink on parchment

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Week 6, Dec 27–Jan 1: Hens and chicks-centaurs