It was part of the collection of the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolph II.

[1][2] Part of the Austrian National Library since 1783, when it acquired the personal collection of Rudolf II.

Images are grouped thematically and include plants, birds, mammals, insects, fish, and natural landscapes.

The technique they display is extremely varied - from very simple drawings, through in-depth studies to detailed images.

The illustrations are drawn with pen and ink, watercolor, tempera, and in some parts used and gold.