Guardian Griffin

3D Model

Pair of Guardian Griffins, 1150-75

Pink limestone (called “Verona Marble”)

Northern Italy, Emilia

“Griffins are fabled creatures that have the chracteristics of an eagle and a lion- combining watchfulness and courage. In Christain 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 hte columns of a porch in front of a church doorway.”

Shot at Cleveland Museum of Art with Moto 4+, 55 photos