![](https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/beast-gall-hero.jpg)
As part of our 2017 #CreateArtHistory contest, we asked artists from around the world to find inspiration in this collection of fantastical beasts and curious creatures, and design original work to win incredible prizes.
Unicorns, lobster-men and dragons – this miscellany of weird and wonderful creatures dates back to 1493. The images are selected from fascinating books in our History of the book collection, which were written during a time of great discovery and change as artists published detailed observations, illustrations and prints of the natural world.