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Carved Byzantine Style Limestone Wellhead with Scrolled Ironwork

About the Item

Hand-carved in the middle Byzantine style (which corresponds to Western Europe’s Medieval period), this highly detailed wellhead from Italy has a large, elaborate iron overthrow that rises over five feet above the top of the well. The overthrow features a pointed finial set amongst a beautiful display of C- and S-scrolls that form stylized fleur de lys. At the base of the finial is a ceremonial (and removable) pulley, complete with a hook for a pail attachment. Beneath the pulley is the 22-inch opening of the wellhead. Along the top edge of the outside, there are three layers of molding above a carved interlaced pattern featuring lozenges and roundels. A similar molding can be found at the base of the circular well, which sits on four margin stones that form a larger circle. The repeating pattern above the lower molding is a braided motif. In between the two geometric borders is a set of four niches with unfluted columns. The arches are adorned with unconnected S-scrolls that stretch between a pair of caulicole capitals. Each niche has been filled with a combination of geometric shapes and animals. During the Byzantine Iconoclasm (roughly 726-842), Emperor Leo III banned all religious figures from art and architecture, resulting in a greater appearance of symbolic animals and mythical creatures, as seen on the body of our wellhead. The carved animals include two mythical creatures standing next to a geometric pedestal, an eagle with wings spread (a symbol of the Byzantine Empire), two rampant lions with a fleur de lys planter, and two long-necked birds with a goblet-shaped pedestal. The gray-colored limestone of our Byzantine style wellhead has developed a lovely cream patina in some areas. It would make a fantastic addition to any outdoor setting or courtyard as a garden ornament. The wellhead could also be converted in a large planter and displayed without the iron overthrow.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 100 in (254 cm)Diameter: 52 in (132.08 cm)
  • Style:
    Medieval (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    2000s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Good condition. Minor nicks, scratches, and buildup to stone. Light paint losses to iron, resulting in oxidation. Traces of moss and lichen. Stone is a natural material that can change color with exposure to the elements.
  • Seller Location:
    Dallas, TX
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 1021-571stDibs: LU906328938682

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