A large medieval carved limestone long fingered mouth puller gargoyle
A large medieval carved limestone long fingered mouth puller gargoyle
Circa 1490
Stock Number: 11731/GSO
Height
37.00cm
[14.57 inches]
Width 52.00cm [20.47 inches]
Depth 71.00cm [27.95 inches]
Width 52.00cm [20.47 inches]
Depth 71.00cm [27.95 inches]
Collection of Peter Inskip M.B.E.
Acquired from an unknown Church in 1959 by Mr E. Clayson of Harrold - a builder who worked on several Churches in North Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.
Acquired from an unknown Church in 1959 by Mr E. Clayson of Harrold - a builder who worked on several Churches in North Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.
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Also known as a 'mouth gaper' this type of gargoyle is thought to represent the sin of gluttony or possibly allude to, as with other examples, 'face pulling' or gurning, a common medieval competition!
This gargoyle, a word derived from the French 15th century word 'Gargouille' (throat), is a hybrid, possibly a griffin or a harpie. It is of an unusually large scale and in good condition considering its age, being both intentionally grotesque, to ward of evil spirits, and practical, as a gutter to throw water clear of Church/Cathedral walls.
This gargoyle, a word derived from the French 15th century word 'Gargouille' (throat), is a hybrid, possibly a griffin or a harpie. It is of an unusually large scale and in good condition considering its age, being both intentionally grotesque, to ward of evil spirits, and practical, as a gutter to throw water clear of Church/Cathedral walls.
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