MS M.81, fols. 53v–54r

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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. 53v–54r
Description: 

Hawk and Magpies (left)

The hawk in this green and gold medallion is described as a stern parent who forces its chicks to hunt from an early age. Below, a pair of magpies known for their “rude prating” extend their tails into the text and margin.

Nightingale (right)
The multi-colored nightingale warms her eggs in a medallion suggestive of a moon or glowing dawn, evoking the time when the nocturnal bird sings its sweet song.