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Wells Fargo Building Gilt Cast Iron Winged Mountain Lion Grotesque, circa 1910

Wells Fargo Building Gilt Cast Iron Winged Mountain Lion Grotesque, circa 1910

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Wells Fargo Building Gilt Cast Iron Winged Mountain Lion Grotesque, circa 1910

About the Item

A striking and uncommon circa 1910 gilt cast iron winged California mountain lion and bighorn sheep motif grotesque or gargoyle from a Wells Fargo bank building in San Francisco, California. Architectural grotesques—very similar to gargoyles, though without a downspout—have warded off evil while protecting buildings since they gained widespread popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages. This fantastic chimera grotesque features a majestically-winged mountain lion (also known as a cougar, panther, or puma depending upon region) surveying its domain. It calls to mind a griffin, and sits above a trio of bighorn sheep ram heads that support the highly detailed cornice. The choice of these particular big game animals puts a delightful and uncommon California wildlife spin on the typical design that’s quite fitting for its building’s San Francisco location. The winged mountain lion in particular is something that we’ve not found elsewhere, though it does bring to mind the iconic winged Lion of Saint Mark, the symbol of Venice seen incorporated in architecture throughout the city. Authentic antique character is on very handsome display, with a gilt finish over an orange base coat (reminiscent of the Gold Gate Bridge color) that peeks through attractively in spots. Some small areas of a layer of brown paint topcoat added at a later point remain, though thankfully it’s been mostly removed or worn away over time. This—alongside some faint green patina from the decades it spent out in the elements—actually serves to complement the grotesque’s desirable naturally acquired look and lore. Comprised of two parts bolted together with a mounting hole in the bottom, and weighing a substantial 18 pounds. We've contacted the Wells Fargo Museum in downtown San Francisco to request additional information regarding the specific bank building from which this piece originated—especially with the hope of finding archival images of it in situ—and will update this listing with any new information that we obtain.

Dimensions:
Height: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)Width: 7.88 in (20.02 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)
Style:
Beaux Arts (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Iron,Paint,Cast,Gilt
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1910-1919
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1910
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. In very good antique condition overall. Remnants of later layer of brown paint are still flaking off a little bit, but this has the benefit of revealing gilt finish underneath. Some tiny, loose cast iron and patina "crumbs" present on back and edges.
Seller Location:
San Francisco, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU955036412882

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