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At the Cluny Museum of the Middle
Ages, in Paris, there is a set of six tapestries collectively
known as "The Lady and the Unicorn." Here is the
one representing the sense of taste. The lady reaches with
one hand for a tidbit offered by her lady-in-waiting, although
both women seem more interested in the Rose-ringed Parakeet
on her other hand. The monkey at her feet seems to be bringing
something to its mouth, or maybe it's just teasing the little
dog, who looks as if it would like some also.
The mysterious black bird is
near the top of the tapestry, with wings outstretched in flight.
That conveniently displays the dramatically white underwings.
The tapestries are remarkable
for their excellent condition, considering that they are over
500 years old. Their interpretation is open to conjecture.
The mysterious black-and-white
bird is also found in another of the tapestries, considered
to represent the sense
of smell.
Large
picture of Mystery Bird with wings folded
Larger
picture of Mystery Bird in flight
Return
to Mystery Bird page.
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