[split] f25v little dragon parallels

[davidjackson]

But the snakes integrate into the plant, by incorporating themselves in a surreal fashion through the roots. There is a clear illustrative tradition of depicting snakes as part of plants, for both reasons b) and c) from my previous post (ie good for snakebite, mythological tradition). Our dragon isn't symbiotic in a clear way - it seems he is using the plant, not forming part of it. Here are some snake examples:


15th century plant for snakebite - Italian herbal from Trento

Scamonea from Hortus Sanitatis Minor

(And Marco Ponzi has dozen more examples on a You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.)
Although last night I did come acrossYou are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. a 1440 Italian herbal which depicts a dragon and some sheep alongside plants on You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. and again on f38v. But note that this book is an illustrative copy made for a wealthy patron, not a day to day use book. I haven't worked out why the dragon is there yet, or if it has anything to do with the plants.