Jean Corbechon, Livre des propriétés des choses
Book 18: On animals
Texts and Images
This book, with 130 chapters, contains descriptions of assorted animals, both real and fantastic. Several of the animals discussed are pictured in the opening miniature, including a unicorn and a griffon. The entries for each creature are arranged in alphabetical order.
Real and mythical animals (Book 18: On animals)
The miniature is divided into thirteen panels. A crowned animal, possibly a panther, occupies the central compartment. This is surrounded by twelve smaller panels featuring a camel, bear, wolf, elephant, lion, porcupine, stag, fox, doe, griffin, boar and unicorn. The animals are painted against alternating blue and red backgrounds, which create a chequerboard effect.