A preening peacock, a playful finch, a
scheming vulture, a clever crow, a robin, an osprey—all are charmingly
decorative to the average viewer. 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 rabble. Narrative paintings, with
their layer upon layer of vivid symbolism, provided instruction to the
uneducated peasants who craved scriptural guidance. Origen Adamantius,
an early Christian theologian stated "If all things were made through
Him, clearly so must the splendid revelations have been which were made
to the fathers and prophets, and became to them the symbols of the
sacred mysteries of religion."
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 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 was used to signify 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.
Raven symbol of Saint Oswald who died in 992. He
was born into a wealthy family but devoted his life to the poor.
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
or Raven
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.
A Duck has several meanings. A white duck denotes
purity of the soul and a clean conscious. A brown duck that is peering
at the human figure suggests the person may be possessed by an evil
spirit, devil or at the very least is filled with wickedness. A white
duck swimming with swans or other water birds often symbolized the
spread of Christianity among the heathens.
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.
Swan symbolizes purity and is also the
emblem of Saint Hugh of Lincoln. he was a great animal lover and as well
as caretaker to lepers. A swan he befriended fowled him around and kept
watch of him as he slept.
The singing robin symbolizes deliverance from
evil and God's holy mercy. A caged robin signifies removal from
Gods holy grace.
The Eagle is a symbol of Christ and of
regeneration by baptism.