Nature, in all its manifestations

The 16th century illuminated manuscript “Mira Calligraphiae Monumenta” (Model Book of Calligraphy) is much more than the usual collection of ornate gilded letters with angels dangling from every serif. It’s a striking look at nature as seen through the eyes of the best medieval scribes. The book, now at the Getty, is the center of “Picturing the Natural World,” an exhibit opening Tuesday that places the manuscript in the context of other nature studies, both artistic and scientific, drawn between 1450 and 1800.

The Getty Center

1200 Getty Drive South, Los Angeles

Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; ends Sept. 7

Free; parking, $5; parking reservations required Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

(310) 440-7300