Northern Italy, Emilia, 12th century / 1150–1175
Guardian Griffin (pair)
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Guardian Griffin (pair) as sculpture (Northern Italy, Emilia, 12th century · 1150–1175).
According to medieval bestiaries, griffins could tear a man to pieces and carry a whole bovine away, as seen here.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this sculpture as pink limestone (called "Verona Marble").
The museum's collection notes: 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 clutching the figure of a knight between its paws, while the other griffin holds a calf. Their original function was probably to support
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtGuardian Griffin (pair)Original explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.