Qasr mosaic leopard and VMS Leo/August image

[MarcoP]

Perhaps there is an example somewhere that includes both the sharp tongue and the tail shape, but both of these features seem to be rare (are there any other good examples for either of these specific features?), and also the two examples given here are from different countries, and are separated by over 100 years in time.

....

Another thing worth noting here, is that in both the MS Walters 734 and the Cod Sang 402, the tail is curling upward in front of the lion (from our perspective), while in the VMS it is curling up behind the lion, like the tree in the Qasr mosaic image.  While of course an illustrator could have changed such a thing for any reason without requiring an external model, I do think this is a (minor) point in favor of the tree-tail theory.

I find all this fun but pointless: all these details are in the range that could be easily mixed and matched by the illustrator.

The You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. database of images is a good site to get an idea of the differences and similarities in astrological images.


(Very heraldic) Leo with prominent (but not pointed) tongue and three-pointed tail:
London, British Library Add MS 17987, fol. 14r, 1446 (Germany)



Leo with tail curling behind its body:
Venice, Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana 2760, fol. 32v 12th century (Italy)