Capital, Limestone, 12th-13th Century

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Capital, Limestone, 12th-13th Century

About the Item

Double capital made of carved limestone decorated with volutes in relief in the corners and figurative elements in front and sides of the piece; presents size on both sides, with the same theme. In the center there is a mask with humanoid features, flanked by two griffins (back of lion with tail finished in plant element, front half of eagle with wings) located back to back and with heads on the sides of the capital, down and next to two human figures (one on each side) holding under their arms the two heads of the front faucets (one of the fronts of the capital has the size better preserved than the other). Usually called Persian griffins, these mythological animals are frequent in Spanish Romanesque, and have a particular symbology: sometimes it is linked to the figure of Christ (since it is formed by eagle and lion, animals also linked to Him), while in others its monstrous part becomes more prominent and becomes related to the Devil. Compare the present example with the capital of Knights and Griffins from the Monastery of Santa María la Real de Aguilar de Campoo de Palencia (currently in the National Archaeological Museum of Madrid), founding chapel of Santiago de Compostela, etc. As for iconography, this can be somewhat particular. Some experts link this type of figures with a man controlling the evil, or bestial and evil elements, while others remember a legend of Alexander the Great in which the monarch manages to tame two griffins (griffin, griffon, or gryphon) by tricks to be promoted in a car to heaven (Thus, there are articles in which it is indicated that this subject has the king with sticks for the baits and basket), extracted and extended in the Middle Ages by a text of which, at present, is called Pseudo-Callisthenes. Stylistically, both the shape of the capital and its size, we can speak of a certain relationship with Romanesque pieces, along with some details that would advance the Gothic. Compare, for example, with the capitals of the Romanesque churches of San Esteban de Gormaz, capitals of 12th century churches in Zamora, etc. Size: 48 x 23 x 30 cms.

Dimensions:
Height: 11.82 in (30 cm)Width: 18.9 in (48 cm)Depth: 9.06 in (23 cm)
Style:
Medieval (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Limestone,Hand-Carved
Place of Origin:
Spain
Period:
15th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
12th-13th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Minor fading.
Seller Location:
Madrid, ES
Reference Number:
Seller: zf03661stDibs: LU2951313155951