Birds in the Art of Matthew Paris

When I first searched “Matthew Paris” into ARTstor the results contained numerous amounts of birds; most of which contained drawings of birds. This raised a number of questions in my mind, mainly ones concerning the validity in their place in his art. A great variety of the images found showcased birds in the marginalia, and since the written message of the page was not included in the image, it is very difficult to locate a direct meaning of the birds in the margins. As noted by Susan Lewis in The Art of Matthew Paris, the marginal drawings of Matthew Paris have some meaning.

Consider points 3 - 5 as outlined by Susan Lewis. (Lewis here is concerned with marginalia, and it’s skewing of meaning by Matthew Paris in the works of Roger of Wendover.

In most cases, however, where Paris's addition alters Wendover's original entry, the marginal illustration clearly expresses the change in meaning or emphasis, as we saw in the elaborate drawing of the sea fight off Sandwich (PI. I).

Matthew often introduced entirely new and unrelated subjects into the earlier part of the chronicle and drew the reader's attention to his novel material by means of his marginal illustrations.

In two isolated cases, Matthew introduced marginal illustrations for which no text reference is given either in Roger's original entry or in an addendum by Matthew, although a textual basis may be found elsewhere in the Chronica Majora or in the Historia Anglorum, as we shall see for the drawings of the martyrdom of St. Al-ban (PI. VIII) and the device on the Templars' seal (Fig. 47).

Assuming the birds that frequent the art of Matthew Paris are not just the result of a bizarre fascination, but the result of carefully placed suggested imagery or symbols, it is important to recognize what each symbol is meant to represent.

Considering the birds use symbols in Christian art sheds some light on their meaning.

Stork
Many birds, such as the stork, announce the coming of spring and so are symbols of the Annunciation. As such, storks also represent Mary’s qualities of piety and chastity. Other sources claim the stork represents happiness and joy since the bird’s feeding on snakes can be viewed as a positive force that helps eradicate our evil instincts.

Goldfinch
Because they eat thistles and thorns, goldfinches are a symbol of Christ’s Passion. Raphael’s painting, “Madonna of the Goldfinch,” clearly shows young Jesus lovingly stroking a goldfinch.

Peacock
The peacock has several meanings. Because of a legend that its flesh does not decay, the peacock represents immortality and resurrection. Because of the “eyes” in its tail, it symbolizes the Church. Because of its habit of strutting, it is said to stand for vanity and pride. The peacock is seen here in Fra Filippo Lippi’s “Adoration of the Magi.”

Eagle
This bird is a symbol of Christ and His Divine nature. Because of the eagle’s powerful strength and its penetrating sight – as it soars above the earth observing even the smallest objects below – it may be a symbol of the Lord's omniscience and ever-watchful care.

Sparrow
The sparrow symbolizes God’s concern for the most insignificant living things. In the same way God loves and watches over the sparrow, he knows each person is unique and to be treasured and consequently surely watches over humans.

Dove
The dove with its gentle loving nature represents the presence of the Holy Spirit and the virtues of peace, meekness, and purity. It is among birds what the lamb is among animals. This bird is reminiscent of Noah’s dove that brought back the olive branch to show the waters had receded and God had made his peace with humanity.

(As per: Bailey, Colin J. The Art Quiz Book: 2000+ Questions on Painters and Paintings. Station Press: Scotland, 1995.)

Consider the following symbols when looking at the pictures in my presentation!