Fantastic Bestiary: Illuminated Manuscripts at Museo di San Marco

'La Biblioteca svelata: il bestiario fantastico' has debuted at the Museo di San Marco in Florence, showcasing illuminated manuscripts from the library crafted by Michelozzo. This exhibition, which runs until October 31, 2026, is curated by Sara Fabbri, Sara Ragazzini, and Anna Soffici, and spans manuscripts dating from the 13th to the 16th centuries, focusing on zoomorphic themes. The display features dragons representing chaos, alongside elements from classical mythology and medieval Christian iconography. Bestiaries utilized animal representations for moral lessons, while manuscripts commissioned by Cosimo the Elder honor the falcon. Notable works include codices Ms 515 and 516, illuminated by Zanobi Strozzi, with an initial that may have been created by Fra Angelico. The exhibition is linked to the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella and the new boutique at Hotel Savoy.