MS M.81, fols. 40v–41r

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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. 40v–41r
Description: 

Goat (left)

The he-goat’s pupil may be shown in the corner of its eye because this animal’s eyes were thought to be so full of lust that they always look sideways.

Bull (right)

This bull or a bullock (young bull) was thought to have skin so thick that arrows could not penetrate it, and a mouth that can open as wide as its head.