Folio 58v Commentary

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f58v Text: The swan is totally white and has a wonderfully melodious voice. Illustration: The story about the swan's song, often repeated, is untrue. The animal depicted is the mute swan. The characteristic knob at the base of the beak should be black instead of white as shown here. The white paint is covered with a thick coat of glair (made from egg white) which gives the feathers a luxurious sheen. One initial, type 2. The illustration in detail