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15th or 16th Century Marble Gargoyle Fountain Spout from Arezzo, Italy
About the Item
Although when most people hear the word “gargoyle”, they probably envision small, winged creatures with grotesque visages. However, the phrase has a deeper meaning, encompassing any carved head (animal or human) that function as waterspouts.
From the Early Renaissance (late 1400’s/early 1500’s), our gargoyle fountain spout features a human-like face with pointed ears, possibly representing a centaur or a satyr. The roughly rectangular block of marble was hand-carved in Arezzo, in the Tuscany region of Italy. All sides except the front of the cream-colored stone have a sawed finish, resulting in a rough texture. The back has been excavated, adding to the character of the gargoyle. A 1 ½” diameter hole has been cut all the way through, forming an open mouth of the gargoyle. The gaping mouth was often a symbol used to conjure images of devouring giants and used to remind people that they are susceptible to certain forces.
Our 15th/16th century marble gargoyle would make a great fountain spout for a pre-existing basin. It can be affixed to the side of a building or placed on top of a support, such as a column or pedestal, allowing the water to cascade from the mouth. It can also be displayed inside and appreciated as a rare and extremely old piece of sculptural art.
- Dimensions:Height: 13 in (33.02 cm)Width: 11.25 in (28.58 cm)Depth: 16.25 in (41.28 cm)
- Style:Renaissance (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Late 1400s-Early 1500s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Good antique condition, with wear commensurate to age and use with acceptable losses. Marble is a natural material that can change color with exposure to the elements. Our cream-colored marble has developed a gold/brown patina in some areas.
- Seller Location:Dallas, TX
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
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