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Worksop Bestiary
England, possibly in Lincoln or York
ca. 1185
215 x 155 mm
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan (1837–1913) in 1902
MS M.81, fols. 49v–50r
Description:
Swan (left)
Swans, like the one here shown swimming confidently with a fish in its beak, were considered good omens by sailors because of their buoyancy.
Cranes (right)
This crane demonstrates its vigilance during the night watch by holding a red stone in its claw, which would startle the bird awake if it becomes sleepy and drops it.