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Guardian Griffin, 1150-1175 (pink limestone (Verona Marble))
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Guardian Griffin, 1150-1175 (pink limestone (Verona Marble))
491133 Guardian Griffin, 1150-1175 (pink limestone (Verona Marble)) by Italian School, (12th century); h:75.90 w:50.16 d:120.65 Wt: 1348 lbs cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: Griffins are fabled creatures that have the characteristics of an eagle and a lion--combining watchfulness and courage. In Christian art, the dual nature of the griffin was often used to signify that of Christ himself: divine (bird) and human (animal). Griffins were often used as guardian figures in church sculpture and were placed in portals and choir screens. The creatures seen here, with their inward-turning heads, were certainly used for such a purpose. When viewed from the front, one griffin may be seen protecting the figure of a knight between its paws, while the other griffin guards a calf. Their original function was probably to support the columns of a porch in front of a church doorway.
); Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust; Italian, out of copyright
Media ID 22923660
© Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust / Bridgeman Images
C12th Eagle Emilia Griffin Griffins Guardian Knife Mythological Creature Northern Italian
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This print showcases the magnificent "Guardian Griffin" sculpture, created by the Italian School in the 12th century. Carved from pink limestone, also known as Verona Marble, this masterpiece stands tall at a height of 75.90 cm and weighs an impressive 1348 lbs. Griffins have long been mythical creatures embodying both the strength of a lion and the watchfulness of an eagle. In Christian art, they often symbolize Christ's dual nature - divine like a bird and human like an animal. As guardians, griffins were commonly found in church sculptures adorning portals and choir screens. In this particular artwork, two griffins with their heads turned inward serve as protectors. From the front view, one can observe a knight sheltered between their paws while another guards over a calf. These sculptures likely fulfilled their original purpose by supporting columns on a porch leading to a church doorway. The significance of these guardian figures lies not only in their physical presence but also in their symbolic representation of courage and vigilance. This remarkable piece is housed within the prestigious Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, USA. Gifted by the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust, it continues to captivate viewers with its timeless beauty centuries after its creation.
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