The Hidden Spiritual Meaning of Birds in Christian Themed Art

A preening peacock, a playful finch, a scheming vulture, a clever crow, a robin, an osprey—all are charmingly decorative to the average onlooker. For painters of the Gothic, Early Renaissance and High Renaissance eras, birds were part of a rich visual symbolism. In a culture of restricted literacy symbolic imagery was vital in helping to spiritually enlighten the unschooled peasants. Narrative paintings, with their layer upon layer of vivid symbolism, provided instruction to congregations who craved scriptural guidance. Paintings throughout Western history have been used as guides in illuminating the divine mysteries of Gods Holy Word. Birds of every variety are prominently featured in biblically themed painting throughout Western art history.

Byzantine, Gothic and Early Renaissance paintings are rich in philosophical and Christian symbolism regarding birds.

The Finch symbolizes a winged soul returning to heaven.

The Peacock signifies the Resurrection as well as symbolical of knightly vigilance and of Christian watchfulness. An old Anglo-Norman, Osmont, writes: "The eye-speckled feathers should warn a man that never too often can he have his eyes wide open, and gaze inwardly upon his own heart."

A white peacock, symbolized marriage, everlasting life, and also narcissism.

The Sparrow shown near a window, perched on a ledge, flying in a window, flying outside a window or perched on a branch outside a window, represents the soul of a recently deceased loved one. A caged sparrow symbolizes impeding death.

The Crow is a symbol of adultery and or wicked thoughts when shown next to married couple, sometimes perched near the bed chamber or nesting on a small pillow in the background. The Crow also signifies the devils henchmen are close at hand when portrayed next to a holy figure. If the Crow is carrying a silver coin, silver ring or sliver medal it symbolizes Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles and betrayer of Christ.

The Dove symbolizes Third Person of the Blessed Trinity as well as peace and innocence. Seven white doves are symbolize the seven spirits of Holy Spirit in its sevenfold gifts of grace.

A chubby Pigeon represents self-indulgence and slothful ways.

The Phoenix is a symbol of the Resurrection and of eternity.

The Cock symbolizes vigilance, and also is an emblem of St. Peter.

An Osprey on the wing signified the devils henchmen are close at hand. A perched Osprey symbolizes Satan's vigilance in the hunt for backsliders and the easily corrupted.

The Vulture epitomized greed, corruption and ruthless power.

The singing robin symbolizes deliverance from evil and God's holy mercy. A caged robin signifies removal from Gods holy grace.