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Open Access Art Gallery

Dragons & Unicorns of the Old Prints

Archangels battling dragons, griffins and basilisks, a phoenix fable, sea monsters real and imagined, the Great Comet of 1680 and a Baroque map of the heavens — early prints, drawings and objects, each file marked CC0 on Wikimedia Commons.

Saint Michael and the Dragon, from the Apocalypse — Saint Michael and the Dragon, from the ApocalypseJean Duvet, 16th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP815686), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Saint George Killing the Dragon — Saint George Killing the DragonAlbrecht Altdorfer, early 16th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP833070), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

The Dragon and the Bee — The Dragon and the BeeAgostino Veneziano, ca. 1514–36
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP888624), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Dragon Skeleton on a Pedestal — Dragon Skeleton on a PedestalUnidentified artist, 1696
Rijksmuseum, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Golden Eight-Clawed Dragon (decorative panel) — Golden Eight-Clawed Dragon (decorative panel)Victor Hugo, 1863
Maison de Victor Hugo, Paris Musées (1071.3), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Unicorn and Ram in Conversation (Fable of the Ancients) — Unicorn and Ram in Conversation (Fable of the Ancients)Isaac ibn Sahula (text), woodcut illustration, 1491
Wikimedia Commons (photo: Wuselig) · CC0 · Commons file page

The Unicorn, from Crux triumphans et gloriosa — The Unicorn, from Crux triumphans et gloriosaJacobus Bosius (author), unknown engraver, 1617
Wikimedia Commons (photo: Wuselig) · CC0 · Commons file page

Griffin — GriffinMartin Schongauer, 15th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP820017), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Medallion with Man Fighting a Basilisk — Medallion with Man Fighting a BasiliskUnknown artist, about 1240
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Fable of the Phoenix — Fable of the PhoenixUnknown printmaker, 1608
Rijksmuseum (RP-P-OB-5266), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Sea Monster (bronze) — Sea Monster (bronze)Severo Calzetta da Ravenna, circa 1500
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Sea Monster (drawing, in two fragments) — Sea Monster (drawing, in two fragments)Bernardino Poccetti, 1548–1612
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP811163), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Sea Monster Caught between Scheveningen and Katwijk — Sea Monster Caught between Scheveningen and KatwijkUnknown printmaker, 1661
Rijksmuseum (RP-P-OB-76.966A), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

The Comet of 1680–1681 (Locus Cometae) — The Comet of 1680–1681 (Locus Cometae)Unknown printmaker, 1680–1681
Rijksmuseum (RP-P-OB-82.514), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Celestial Map of the Tychonic System (Scenographia compagis mundanae Brahea) — Celestial Map of the Tychonic System (Scenographia compagis mundanae Brahea)from Andreas Cellarius, Harmonia Macrocosmica, 1660
Rijksmuseum (RP-P-AO-29-1-9), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

The Unicorn is Found — The Unicorn is FoundUnicorn Tapestries, South Netherlandish, 1495–1505
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

The Unicorn Defends Itself — The Unicorn Defends ItselfUnicorn Tapestries, South Netherlandish, 1495–1505
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

The Unicorn is Attacked — The Unicorn is AttackedUnicorn Tapestries, South Netherlandish, 1495–1505
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

The Mystic Capture of the Unicorn — The Mystic Capture of the UnicornUnicorn Tapestries, South Netherlandish, 1495–1505
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Dragon Wrapped around Saz Leaves — Dragon Wrapped around Saz LeavesOttoman, circa 1550
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Panel with a Griffin — Panel with a GriffinByzantine, 1250–1300
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Bronze Head of a Griffin — Bronze Head of a GriffinGreek, 7th century B.C.
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Basilisk (Basilischus) — Basilisk (Basilischus)Melchior Lorck, etching, 1548
Wikimedia Commons, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

A Phoenix atop a Tree, Animals Below — A Phoenix atop a Tree, Animals BelowAfter the Master of the Die, 1530–60
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

The Phoenix is Burning — The Phoenix is BurningJacques Callot, 1621–35
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Saint George and the Dragon — Saint George and the DragonAustrian (Vienna), woodcarving, c. 1330
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Medallion with Saint George Slaying the Dragon — Medallion with Saint George Slaying the DragonGerman, late 15th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Drawings of the Zodiac — Drawings of the ZodiacAnonymous, 16th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Ceiling Decoration with the Four Continents and the Zodiac — Ceiling Decoration with the Four Continents and the ZodiacAnonymous, second half 17th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Minerva Tramples a Fire-Breathing Sea Monster — Minerva Tramples a Fire-Breathing Sea MonsterPrint, 1710
Rijksmuseum, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Flying Winged Horse and Sea Monster — Flying Winged Horse and Sea MonsterEmblemata of Denis Lebey de Batilly, 1596
Rijksmuseum, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Knotted Dragon Pendant — Knotted Dragon PendantChina, Eastern Zhou dynasty, jade
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Gilt-Bronze Dragon — Gilt-Bronze DragonChina, Tang dynasty, 7th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Dragon Carpet — Dragon CarpetLate 18th–early 19th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Cartouche with a Phoenix — Cartouche with a PhoenixBook illustration, 1683
Rijksmuseum, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

The Beast with Two Horns Like a Lamb — The Beast with Two Horns Like a LambAlbrecht Dürer, Apocalypse woodcut, 1498
National Gallery of Art, via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Dragon-Handled Jug with Inscription — Dragon-Handled Jug with InscriptionIslamic metalwork, late 15th– first quarter 16th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP235038), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Belt Buckle with a Griffin — Belt Buckle with a GriffinFrankish, second half 6th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (dp30398), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Relief Panel with Two Griffins Drinking from a Cup — Relief Panel with Two Griffins Drinking from a CupSouth Italian, late 9th–early 10th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP170293), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Griffin and Other Monster — Griffin and Other MonsterSpanish, 15th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (sf27-18-1d1), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Saint George and the Dragon — Saint George and the DragonAustrian, Vienna, c. 1330
Metropolitan Museum of Art (sf29-158-770s1), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Saint George and the Dragon — Saint George and the DragonAustrian or South German, c. 1475
Metropolitan Museum of Art (sf1979-379s3), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Saint George and the Dragon — Saint George and the DragonFrench, early 16th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (cdi41-190-81), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Aquamanile in the Form of a Dragon — Aquamanile in the Form of a DragonCopper alloy, c. 1200
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP123973), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Dragon Wrapped around Saz Leaves — Dragon Wrapped around Saz LeavesInk on paper, c. 1550–70
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP240652), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Knotted Dragon Pendant — Knotted Dragon PendantJade (nephrite), Eastern Zhou dynasty, Warring States period (475–221 B.C.)
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DT5073), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Bronze head of a griffin — Bronze head of a griffinBronze, third quarter of the 7th century B.C.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DT7204), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Iskandar Kills the Habash Monster — Iskandar Kills the Habash MonsterFolio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi; ink, opaque watercolor, silver and gold on paper, c. 1300–30
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP215673), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Earth Monster (Tlaltecuhtli) — Earth Monster (Tlaltecuhtli)Stone, 15th–early 16th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP104845), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Ewer in the shape of a chimera — Ewer in the shape of a chimeraBronze, first quarter 16th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (201445), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Celestial globe with clockwork — Celestial globe with clockworkGerhard Emmoser; partly gilded silver and gilded brass, 1579
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP231286), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Astrolabe of al-Muzaffari — Astrolabe of al-MuzaffariBrass, inlaid with silver; dated A.H. 690 / A.D. 1291
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP170386), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Astronomical Ceiling, Tomb of Senenmut — Astronomical Ceiling, Tomb of SenenmutFacsimile by Charles K. Wilkinson, tempera on paper; original c. 1479–1458 B.C.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DT207429), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

A Griffin — A GriffinWenceslaus Hollar, etching, 1625–77
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP823908), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Garment hook in the shape of a phoenix — Garment hook in the shape of a phoenixJade (nephrite), 19th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-14153-009), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Weight in the Shape of a Chimera (bixie) — Weight in the Shape of a Chimera (bixie)Bronze with gilding and gold and turquoise inlays, 2nd century B.C.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-19687-001), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Dragon Carpet — Dragon CarpetWool, cotton; supplementary-weft embroidery (Soumak), late 18th–early 19th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP211659), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Tile with Image of Phoenix — Tile with Image of PhoenixStonepaste, underglaze painted and luster-painted, late 13th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP212530), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Terracotta vase in the form of a ketos (sea monster) — Terracotta vase in the form of a ketos (sea monster)Terracotta, 2nd half of the 7th century B.C.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP225817), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Astronomical table clock — Astronomical table clockGilded brass and gilded copper; dials of gilded brass and silver, second quarter 17th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP344566), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Belt ornament in the form of a bird demon — Belt ornament in the form of a bird demonBronze, ca. late 8th–7th century B.C.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DT6182), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Commons file page

Altar Bowl with Winged Animals among Waves — Altar Bowl with Winged Animals among Wavesmid-15th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-14609-045), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Dragon Bowl — Dragon BowlKurokawa Eishō, 1895
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-16215-079), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Dragon — Dragon17th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-120-001), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Copy of Night Parade of One Hundred Demons from the Shinjuan Collection — Copy of Night Parade of One Hundred Demons from the Shinjuan CollectionMochizuki Gyokusen, 18th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-18095-002), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Goddess Durga slaying the demon Mahisha — Goddess Durga slaying the demon Mahishaca. 12th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-20872-001), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Marine Monster — Marine MonsterSevero Calzetta da Ravenna, early 16th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-93-001), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Pair of double-headed monsters — Pair of double-headed monsterslate 17th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-231-001), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Bowl with The Virgin and the Unicorn and arms of Matthias Corvinus and Beatrice of Aragon — Bowl with The Virgin and the Unicorn and arms of Matthias Corvinus and Beatrice of Aragonprobably ca. 1486–88
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-131-001), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Bronze foot in the form of a sphinx — Bronze foot in the form of a sphinxcirca 600 B.C.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-13681-001), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Bronze statuette of a sphinx — Bronze statuette of a sphinx5th century B.C.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-12746-001), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Skeleton clock and key — Skeleton clock and keycirca 1850
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-13122-075), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Skeletons Making Music (or the Cemetery), from The Dance of Death — Skeletons Making Music (or the Cemetery), from The Dance of DeathHans Holbein the Younger, ca. 1526, published 1538
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-23025-001), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Backside of the Moon at Apolune (S-21.5) — Backside of the Moon at Apolune (S-21.5)National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with a dual lens camery pr, 1967
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-12248-083), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Buzz Aldrin's Footprint on the Surface of the Moon — Buzz Aldrin's Footprint on the Surface of the MoonNational Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 1969
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-15797-013), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Universal ring sundial — Universal ring sundialWilliam Collier, 18th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-13122-011), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Celestial globe — Celestial globeWillem Jansz Blaeu, after 1621
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-12901-001), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Capricorn (section of a zodiac frieze) — Capricorn (section of a zodiac frieze)circa 1530
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-156-001), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Close Helmet with Mask Visor in Form of a Human Face — Close Helmet with Mask Visor in Form of a Human FaceKolman Helmschmied, circa 1515
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-12880-013), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Fox and crow in a group — Fox and crow in a groupChelsea porcelain factory, circa 1755
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-247-009), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Fox and stork in a group — Fox and stork in a groupChelsea porcelain factory, circa 1760
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-247-011), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Drunken Immortal beneath an old tree — Drunken Immortal beneath an old treeChen Zihe, early 16th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-19329-002), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Immortal raft — Immortal raftlate 18th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-15968-027), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Pegasus — Pegasus16th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-96-001), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Panel of a Buddhist Ritual Crown with Ratnasambhava, the Transcendent Buddha of the South — Panel of a Buddhist Ritual Crown with Ratnasambhava, the Transcendent Buddha of the South10th–11th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-14528-013), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Krishna subduing the Naga Kaliya — Krishna subduing the Naga Kaliya17th century
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-18789-001), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

Ritual Ewer with Makara Spout — Ritual Ewer with Makara SpoutDated by inscription to 1675
Metropolitan Museum of Art (DP-14528-031), via Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · source

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