Couchant lion
Column Base
1225-1250 (carved)
1225-1250 (carved)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This is the base of one of four columns, two of them supported by lions shaped bases. The columns probably supported a raised pulpit (or ambo). The ornament includes figures of the prophets Jeremiah and Zachariah, believed to have foretold the Coming of Christ and his Passion. Also represented are St Paul with his sword, the archangel Michael slaying the dragon, and St Stephen
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Couchant lion (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Carved walnut |
| Brief description | Couchant lion, walnut wood, Southern Italy (Calabria?) or Sicily, ca. 1225-1250 |
| Physical description | Couchant lion, walnut. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | The lion is represented with open mouth and tail curled against the body. The ears are indicated by circular holes. The lower part is rotted by damp. For this original context of this object see P. Williamson, 'Catalogue of Romanesque Sculpture' (V&A publication, London, 1983), p. 74. |
| Historical context | Church furnishings carved from wood from this date are very rare, partly because wood does not survive as well as stone, but also because stones such as marble were seen as the more prestigious material, and thus better suited to a church interior. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This is the base of one of four columns, two of them supported by lions shaped bases. The columns probably supported a raised pulpit (or ambo). The ornament includes figures of the prophets Jeremiah and Zachariah, believed to have foretold the Coming of Christ and his Passion. Also represented are St Paul with his sword, the archangel Michael slaying the dragon, and St Stephen |
| Associated objects |
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| Bibliographic reference | See Catalogue record for 269-1886. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 269E-1886 |
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| Record created | December 15, 1999 |
| Record URL |
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