The Hidden Spiritual Meaning of Birds in Medieval Art

A  playful finch,  proud peacock, a conniving vulture, a wily crow, a robin, an osprey—all are enchantingly decorative to the average onlooker. For painters of the Medieval period, birds were part of a powerful visual symbolism. In a culture of limited literacy symbolic imagery was vital in helping to spiritually enlighten  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 paintings throughout Western art history.

Medieval paintings are rich in philosophical and Christian symbolism regarding birds.

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

The Finch symbolizes a winged soul returning to heaven.

The Peacock was used to signify the Resurrection.

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 Eagle is a symbol of Christ and of regeneration by baptism.

Early Christian Symbols