Guardians of the Text: Griffins and Sphinxes in the Neapolitan Ovid (BNN ms. IV F 3)

This article investigates the origins and significance of images griffins sphinxes—hybrid creatures Greco-Roman tradition—in marginal decorations so-called “Neapolitan Ovid” (BNN ms. IV F 3), first illuminated manuscript Metamorphoses, probably from late 11th century. Their form style suggest specific iconographic links with decorative motifs Antiquity that circulated in artistic objects around Bari, manuscript’s place origin. Among many figures provide a pictorial response to poem’s content, presence these sphinxes offers compelling evidence survival ancient imagery; they also invite us explore relationship between image text book. From this analysis, we can better understand complex role hybrid manuscript. existence is testimony continuity systems derived are present were articulated through Islamic Byzantine formal vocabularies accessible Puglia at time.