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Hebrew Bible: Unicorns and Other Creatures (fols. 440v-441)

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman

1299–1300

Not on view

This bible concludes with a compendium of Hebrew grammar, where some of the most inventive decoration in the book resides. Each double-page spread of the supplementary text provided the artist, Joseph the Frenchman, with an opportunity to experiment with elaborate framing devices. This particularly fanciful example depicts not only apes and goats playing musical instruments but also unicorns and harpies cavorting in the brightly colored margins.

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman, Tempera, gold, and ink on parchment — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Week 4, Dec 13–Dec 18: Unicorn-Apes

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Week 2, Nov 29–Dec 4: End of Pentateuch-Sleeping Lion

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Week 3, Dec 6–Dec 11: Gothic arches-Dog and hare

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Week 5, Dec 20–Dec 25: End of Prophets/Menorah

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

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

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Week 7, Jan 3–Jan 8: Islamic arches and ornament

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Week 7, Jan 10–Jan 15: Castle with falconry

Title: Hebrew Bible: Unicorns and Other Creatures (fols. 440v-441)

Artist: Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman

Date: 1299–1300

Geography: Made in Spain

Medium: Tempera, gold, and ink on parchment

Dimensions: Overall: 11 7/16 x 8 7/8 x 3 15/16 in., 9.464lb. (29 x 22.5 x 10 cm, 4.293kg)

Classification: Manuscripts and Illuminations

Credit Line: Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal, Lisbon (BNP, IL.72)

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