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A Medieval nightmare
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A Medieval nightmare
This hand coloured woodcut showing a human headed bird grappling a man is from Jacobus Meydenbacks Hortus Sanitatis, (1491) which is one of the oldest publications held within the Natural History Museum, London
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Media ID 8612210
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10713441
Birds The Art Of Ornithology Dead Elphick Hominini Homo Homo Sapiens Hortus Human Jonathan Jonathan Elphick Mythical Nightmare Predator Prey Sanitatis
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This hauntingly beautiful hand-colored woodcut, titled "Homo Volans," or "Flying Man," is an intriguing image from Jacobus Meydenbach's Hortus Sanitatis, published in 1491, making it one of the oldest publications held within the Natural History Museum in London. The illustration depicts a human-headed bird in the midst of a fierce struggle with a man, whose expression suggests terror and despair. The bird's body is that of an eagle or a vulture, with sharp talons and beak, while its head bears the features of a man, complete with a shock of curly hair. The image is a striking example of the medieval fascination with the natural world and the mythical creatures that inhabited it. The caption in the original publication reads, "A man transformed into a bird, or a bird with a human head, which is called Homo Volans, or Homo Anatomy, a rare and monstrous bird of the Hominini order, which is said to prey upon men." The illustration is believed to be a representation of the mythical bird known as the "Homo Volans" or "Flying Man," a creature that was believed to prey upon humans in medieval folklore. The image is a testament to the rich history of ornithology and the art of illustration during the medieval period. The intricate details of the woodcut, with its vibrant colors and meticulous shading, are a feast for the eyes, transporting us back to a time when the natural world was a source of wonder and fascination. The image is a reminder of the enduring power of art to capture the imagination and inspire awe and curiosity.
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