Just like emojis, marginalia - the pictures in the margins of medieval manuscripts - perform a bunch of different functions. They can add to, or illustrate the text they’re with, or they can be completely random. And sometimes they look just like emojis.
"Cow-stag of Chester".
From a 12th-century manuscript from Lincoln, England. Written by Gerald of Wales.
bl.uk / Via Royal 13 B VIII f. 19v
The floating head of Christ.
From a 14th-century manuscript from London, written by James le Palmer.
bl.uk / Via Royal 6 E VI f. 16v
Hunting Grotesque.
From a 14th-century Flemish Book of Hours, a devotional book with prayers in.
thedigitalwalters.org / Via The Digital Walters, MS W87, f. 8v
Head of Christ.
From a 13th-century English Book of Hours.
thedigitalwalters.org / Via The Digital Walters, MS W102, f. 29r
