Das Buch der Natur
Das Buch der Natur is a German encyclopaedia of natural history written by Konrad von Megenberg and copied in manuscript in 1442, now held by Heidelberg University Library. Its pages are hand-painted miniatures in red, green and ochre showing people, trees, animals and landscape, with short red headings above each scene. A designer could draw on their flat, simplified figures, bold outlines and earthy palette for medieval-style decorative work.
