Saint Petersburg Bestiary

This esteemed manuscript comprises ninety-one folios featuring a remarkable collection of one hundred fourteen miniatures, with four full-page illustrations depicting a Creation cycle and one hundred and eight animals.

At its core, the bestiary text is a Latin version of the Physiologus, a second-century bce Greek text. Preceding this core text is an account of Creation derived from Genesis, followed by animal descriptions extracted from the Etymologiae of Isidore of Seville (d. 636).

Illustrations within the manuscript vary in size and shape, showcasing a diverse range of animals and mythical creatures. Notably, a full-page miniature presents Adam interacting with various birds and beasts, while a striking miniature depicts eagles, emphasizing their keen eyesight and unique abilities (fol. 5r and fol. 71r). Intriguingly, some miniatures take on circular or lobe-shaped compositions, such as the depiction of the bonnacon releasing fire-like dung (fol. 38r). The manuscript, though crafted in England, found its way to France by the 16th century, where annotations in French and even one in Greek were added.

The manufacturing process of the manuscript witnessed evolutions, evident in the addition of the Creation section (fols. 1-4). While the color palette and framing elements in the Creation cycle differ from the rest of the manuscript, consistent script and painting styles throughout indicate a harmonious integration. Bold outlines, rich red and green hues, and extensive use of gold leaf signify the manuscript’s sumptuous decoration, hinting at a potential commission by a wealthy patron.

The manuscript’s ownership history is traced through inscriptions, with François de la Morlière noted as an owner in the early 18th century. It likely passed through the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris before being acquired by Peter P. Dubrovsky in the late 18th century. Dubrovsky’s collection, including the manuscript, was purchased by Tsar Alexander I in 1805, becoming part of the Imperial Public Library, now the National Library of Russia.

This medieval bestiary, cherished for its moralistic narratives and exquisite illustrations, remains a prized example of English Gothic illumination from the early 12th century. The manuscript’s luxurious decoration, including vividly colored miniatures adorned with gold leaf, portrays a captivating image cycle of the creation narrative. Executed by at least two illuminators, the manuscript’s distinctive style, evident in its lively figures and harmonious coloration, places its creation around 1190, a hallmark of English artistry during that era.

The facsimile edition of the Saint Petersburg Bestiary is complemented by a bookcase for its conservation and a complementary study book made by subject matter experts.

This facsimile is a unique edition of 995 books numbered and authenticated by notarial deed.