I've begun working on a paper for my Medieval Art History class. I've decided to research Christian depictions of "monstrous races" of far off lands. These creatures are usually in the context of those who must be evangelized by missionaries, crusaders, and pilgrims. I'm not totally sure where the paper will go, but I'm interested in the intersection of geography and mythology, and the church's conception of the "other" through history. Whatever I end up arguing, the images are just amazing, sometimes shocking, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny.
These guys crack me up. I'm not sure what they're doing, I haven't read much about them yet. Perhaps I'll write more about them once I learn more.
This one is called the Manticore. It, along with many other mythical beasts, has been incorporated into a game I like to play with my friends. Here's the updated illustration:
i like the old manticore much better.
woah. i really like torso head.