Engaged Column
ca. 1170-1190 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This engaged column and capital is from Southern France by an unknown artist timing from about 1170-1190.
Judging by its size, the column and capital probably formed part of an intermediate window mullion, perhaps in a secular rather than ecclesiastical setting. There are similar capitals in the Musée d' Aquitaine in Bordeaux. The central figure devouring the tails of two sirens, is a common iconographic type and is found on capitals throughout France in the 12th century.
Judging by its size, the column and capital probably formed part of an intermediate window mullion, perhaps in a secular rather than ecclesiastical setting. There are similar capitals in the Musée d' Aquitaine in Bordeaux. The central figure devouring the tails of two sirens, is a common iconographic type and is found on capitals throughout France in the 12th century.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Carved sandstone |
| Brief description | Engaged column and capital, carved sandstone, France, late 12th century |
| Physical description | The shaft is octagonal, and is attached to the rounded half-column against a squared back with three semi-cylindrical projections for fixing into the wall. The capital, square in form, is carved with a monster devouring the tails of two sirens: a third siren has a tail terminating in a dragon head. The base is square, and has foliated corners. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by J. H. Fitzhenry |
| Object history | Given by J.H. Fitzhenry, 1906. |
| Historical context | Judging by its size, the column and capital probably formed part of an intermediate window mullion, perhaps in a secular rather than ecclesiastical setting. There are similar capitals in the Musée d' Aquitaine in Bordeaux. The central figure devouring the tails of two sirens, is a common iconographic type and is found on capitals throughout France in the 12th century. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This engaged column and capital is from Southern France by an unknown artist timing from about 1170-1190. Judging by its size, the column and capital probably formed part of an intermediate window mullion, perhaps in a secular rather than ecclesiastical setting. There are similar capitals in the Musée d' Aquitaine in Bordeaux. The central figure devouring the tails of two sirens, is a common iconographic type and is found on capitals throughout France in the 12th century. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 47-1906 |
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| Record created | December 17, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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