cma-medieval-art: Guardian Griffin (pair), 1150, Cleveland Museum of Art: Medieval ArtGriffins are f
cma-medieval-art: Guardian Griffin (pair), 1150, Cleveland Museum of Art: Medieval ArtGriffins 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.Size: Overall: 75.9 x 50.2 x 120.7 cm (29 7/8 x 19 ¾ x 47 ½ in.)Medium: pink limestone (called “Verona Marble”)https://clevelandart.org/art/1928.861 -- source link
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