One of the problems still awaiting the archeologist is the identification of | the numerous carvings of birds in churches. This is not so difficult in the case of birds which possess distinctive natural features, such as the peacock, swan, and owl, or where there are accessory details, as in the case of the pelican or ostrich; but where birds occur singly and have no special characteristics, it is generally impossible to distinguish them. The medieval bestiaries which contain pictures and descriptions of many animals, birds, and reptiles, are of great value, for the carvers made good use of them when seeking suitable subjects for decorative purposes, and a comparison of sculpture with miniature often leads to identification. The religious character of these manuscripts provided the carvers with the justification they needed for the use of any particular animal or bird mentioned in them, and this granted, there was no limit to the treatment of the subject. Where it was a fabulous or rare animal, the manuscript illustration was often closely followed, and even in the case of better known animals the carvers seem to have relied on the pictures. There is evidence that accurate treatment of anatomical features was not regarded as of much importance. Details generally were suppressed, as it was impossible to render in stone or wood everything that could be drawn with pen and ink, and so long as the subject was understood, it was hardly necessary. - [Author]

Language: English