Aberdeen Bestiary

MS 24) is a 12th-century English illuminated manuscript bestiary that was first listed in 1542 in the inventory of the Old Royal Library at the Palace of Westminster.

"[4][5] The medievalist scholar M. R. James considered the Aberdeen Bestiary ''a replica of Ashmole 1511" a view echoed by many other art historians.

[5][6] The original patron of both the Aberdeen and Ashmole Bestiary was considered to be a high-ranking member of society such as a prince, king or another high ranking church official or monastery.

[1] However, since the section related to monastery life that was commonly depicted within the Aviarium manuscript was missing the original patron remains uncertain but it appears less likely to be a church member.

[2][1] The manuscript is in fragmented condition as many illuminations on folios were removed individually as miniatures likely not for monetary but possibly for personal reasons.

[3] The Aberdeen bestiary is a gilded,[3] decorated manuscript featuring large miniatures and some of the finest pigment, parchment and gold leaf from its time.

[7] The original patron was wealthy enough to afford such materials so that the artists and scribes could enjoy creative freedom while creating the manuscripts.

[2][6] The Aberdeen manuscript is loaded with filigree flora design and champie style gold leaf initials.

[4][2] The overall style of the human figures as well as color usage is very reminiscent of Roman mosaic art especially with the attention to detail in the drapery.

[7] Folio 5 recto shows Adam, a large figure surrounded by gold leaf and towering over others, with the theme of 'Adam naming the animals' - this starts the compilation of the bestiary portion within the manuscript.

[7] On folio 6 recto there was likely intended to be a depiction of a lion as in the Ashmole bestiary, but in this instance the pages were left blank although there are markings of margin lines.

Folio 56 Recto - Phoenix detail
Folio 56 Recto - Phoenix (detail)
Folio 66 Recto - Basilisk (detail)
Folio 66 Recto - Basilisk (detail)
Folio 9 Recto - Panther (detail)
Folio 9 Recto - Panther (detail)