08-09-2016, 10:58 AM
I actually like the second manuscript - it's got an elephant! 
![[Image: gks16330013.jpg]](http://img.kb.dk/ha/manus/gks1633/gks16330013.jpg)
You are right, an apparent lack of artistic talent is often found in (early) medieval manuscripts, even those that may not have been for private use. At times images were deformed to such an extent that later copyists had no idea what it was they were copying and had to come up with creative solutions. (I also write about this phenomenon in my latest You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view., which contains too many images to put on the forum).
One other thing though. There's a certain consistency to the weirdness of the Voynich drawings. Take the size of the heads compared to the bodies, or the big bellies and big upper legs. With relatively little exceptions in over five hundred human figures. I would call it a matter of style or even intention, rather than an outright lack of skill. See my previous examples which, to me, signal that at least someone involved in the process knew how to draw well if he wanted to.
You are right, an apparent lack of artistic talent is often found in (early) medieval manuscripts, even those that may not have been for private use. At times images were deformed to such an extent that later copyists had no idea what it was they were copying and had to come up with creative solutions. (I also write about this phenomenon in my latest You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view., which contains too many images to put on the forum).
One other thing though. There's a certain consistency to the weirdness of the Voynich drawings. Take the size of the heads compared to the bodies, or the big bellies and big upper legs. With relatively little exceptions in over five hundred human figures. I would call it a matter of style or even intention, rather than an outright lack of skill. See my previous examples which, to me, signal that at least someone involved in the process knew how to draw well if he wanted to.