Rare and unusual 19th century Gothic Medieval Revival carved oak roundel or boss, depicting a half-man half-Lion Centaur or Manticore fighting a Dragon.
The half-man figure is piercing the Dragon with a spear whilst the Dragon is bitting the mans head, and the end of it’s tail seems to be snake head bitting the mans wrist.
The circular design of the bitting dragon and snake evokes the ouroboros - a symbol for eternal cyclic renewal or a cycle of life, death and rebirth, and also a fertility symbol.
However, the sculpture mostly seems to represent the good vs evil struggle of St George slaying the Dragon in medieval Christian iconography, or Cadmus slaying the Dragon from Greek mythology.
The sculpture is possibly based on a stone roof boss from Westminster Abbey circa 1250.
Interestingly, there is an inscribed symbol found at the bottom of the carving, which seems to be a apotropaic, or ritual protection marking. These marks were historically made to protect a building and its inhabitants from evil spirits and usually date from 1550 to 1750.
The sculpture is in the 16th century style, but is likely from the 19th century Gothic Revival period (although could be older).
Very finely carved, with great detail and in high relief. Excellent condition.
Displays attractively as a wall mount (there is a hanging bracket) or on a stand.
Height & Width: 35cm / Depth: 5cm.
UK Shipping: £20 / EU: £100 / Message for a quote to USA and Rest of World.
Rare and unusual 19th century Gothic Medieval Revival carved oak roundel or boss, depicting a half-man half-Lion Centaur or Manticore fighting a Dragon.
The half-man figure is piercing the Dragon with a spear whilst the Dragon is bitting the mans head, and the end of it’s tail seems to be snake head bitting the mans wrist.
The circular design of the bitting dragon and snake evokes the ouroboros - a symbol for eternal cyclic renewal or a cycle of life, death and rebirth, and also a fertility symbol.
However, the sculpture mostly seems to represent the good vs evil struggle of St George slaying the Dragon in medieval Christian iconography, or Cadmus slaying the Dragon from Greek mythology.
The sculpture is possibly based on a stone roof boss from Westminster Abbey circa 1250.
Interestingly, there is an inscribed symbol found at the bottom of the carving, which seems to be a apotropaic, or ritual protection marking. These marks were historically made to protect a building and its inhabitants from evil spirits and usually date from 1550 to 1750.
The sculpture is in the 16th century style, but is likely from the 19th century Gothic Revival period (although could be older).
Very finely carved, with great detail and in high relief. Excellent condition.
Displays attractively as a wall mount (there is a hanging bracket) or on a stand.
Height & Width: 35cm / Depth: 5cm.
UK Shipping: £20 / EU: £100 / Message for a quote to USA and Rest of World.
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