Sujet

A Hunter and a Beaver; Bestiary, about 1270. Creator: Unknown.

Légende

A Hunter and a Beaver; Bestiary, about 1270. Additional Info:In the midst of an exciting pursuit, a hunter blows his horn while his dogs attempt to capture a beaver. Although this beaver is not depicted with the familiar broad, flat tail usually associated with the animal, in the Middle Ages it was believed the beaver's main characteristic was its gentleness. It was also thought that a beaver's testicles had a special medicinal value. According to this text, the beaver allegedly escapes with his life when hunted by biting off his own testicles, as is shown here. In terms of Christian symbolism, the beaver represents a willingness to sacrifice anything that hinders the ability to devote oneself to Christ.

Crédit

Photo12/Heritage Images/Heritage Art

Notre référence

HRM24A73_383

Model release

NA

Property release

NA

Licence

Droits gérés

Format disponible

52,3Mo (2,6Mo) / 31,2cm x 42,0cm / 3682 x 4960 (300dpi)

Mots clés

animal people male man men animals symbolic historical music religious arts religion metal symbol body bodies dog dogs figure figures guy color hunting horn hunter decoration decorative medieval Christian Christianity gold text century musical instrument musical instruments ink concept mythology sacrifice decorated mythological beaver symbolism manuscript lettering mythical beast wind instrument illustrated hunting dogs hunting dog Colour sacrificing mediaeval Middle Ages gold leaf beasts genitals sex organs Thirteenth Century 13th century history historic bestiary illuminated manuscript sacrificial tempera vellum self-sacrifice illustration manuscript compendium Unknown Franco-Flemish Folio Heritage Art folio recto Tempera colours gold leaf and ink testicles