Unknown

Human face gargoyle/grotesque snarling man; Gothic Limestone Carving

1920

This gothic style architectural segment of a building facade located ion Harlem, NYC, was carved 1924-1926 by William Bradley & Son Cut Stone Contractors. In 2020, each limestone scu...

This gothic style architectural segment of a building facade located ion Harlem, NYC, was carved 1924-1926 by William Bradley & Son Cut Stone Contractors. In 2020, each limestone scu...

This engaging antique grotesque or demonic mask is quite the decorative piece. Hand carved into limestone, its details are superbly distinctive, the ...

Although when most people hear the word “gargoyle”, they probably envision small, winged creatures with grotesque visages. However, the phrase has a deeper meaning, encompassing any carved head (animal or human) that function as waterspouts. From the Early Renaissance (late 1400’s/early 1500’s), our gargoyle fountain spout features a human-like face with pointed ears, possibly representing a centaur or a satyr. The roughly rectangular block of marble was hand-carved in Arezzo, in the Tuscany region of Italy. All sides except the front of the cream-colored stone have a sawed finish, resulting in a rough texture. The back has been excavated, adding to the character of the gargoyle. A 1 ½” diameter hole has been cut all the way through, forming an open mouth of the gargoyle. The gaping mouth was often a symbol used to conjure images of devouring giants and used to remind people that they are susceptible to certain forces. Our 15th/16th century marble...