Body language

At least some of the iconography of the nymphs in the Voiynich ms. is straightforward. (I refer to the mountain/water nymphs, as opposed to the celestial nymphs we encounter in the Zodiac section.)

Essentially, we can imagine these nymphs as personifications of water. 

There is no need to veer off into a lengthy study of nymph folklore in Europe from ancient to modern times to justify this general proposition: as modern people we explain – nymphs are personfications of the bodies of water they are supposed to inhabit. 

In view of this, the following iconography can be identified:

Hand on hips = respose

This is the standard position for the nymphs: one hand on the hip. It is a pose often found in statues. It signifies repose. Present but not active. Water in repose. 

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Hands behind back = fast running waters, rapids

Hands thrown backwards signifies speed. These nymphs depict fast moving water. 

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Floating on her back = still, quiet water

Nymphs shown floating on their backs personify a quiet, still body of water. 

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Nymphs fighting = turbulent water

In this illustration the nymphs are shown fighting. It indicates turbulent waters. 

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Nymph sleeping = a still body of water

This nymph - one of the more charming illustrations in the work - shows a nymph sleeping under star light. A body of water perfectly still under the night sky. 

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In the first instance, I suppose that these illustrative devices are simple and obvious enough, in a cartoonish manner. Assuredly, some of the nymph illustrations are enigmatic and hard to read, but cases like these are not difficult. 

I regard these as entirely natural and unforced readings of the pictures. 

R.B.