Medieval swans were eaten, particularly as part of a Christmas feast. This swan is from a bestiary dated to 1226-1250. #medievalmanuscripts #medievalbeasts #swans #swan
Medieval swans were thought to have medicinal uses for both lung congestion and spleen issues with the liver supposed to heal the lungs and its lungs good for curing spleen ailments. This swan is from a c1350 version of "Der Naturen Bloeme". #medievalmanuscripts #medievalbeasts #swans #swan
Medieval swans were associated with deception as their white feathers hid a black skin. This image the Worksop Bestiary, c1185. #medievalmanuscripts #medievalbeasts #swans #swan
For All time | Exhibition | Royal Shakespeare Company

A human face made from 2,000 handmade stars, suspended in the Swan Foyer, by artist and designer Steven Follen.

The swan is our medieval beast this week. According to medieval thought, a swan sung at its sweetest just before its death. This particular swan is from a Franco-Flemish bestiary dated to 1270. #medievalmanuscripts #medievalbeasts #swans #swan