ocr: ANGEL GABRIEL The use of birds as symbols was widespread in Renaissance Christian art, as demonstrated in The ARRMNCATION by the German artist Martin Schongauer (c. 1430-91).Ar the top left of the picture, above the Angel Gabriel, a peacock's tail is visible. For Christians, the peacock was a symbol of the purity of the Virgin Mary,as its flesh was thought to be incorruptible. SEE ALSO
