Glencairn Museum No. 7

Described and illustrated in Cahn (1979-1999, vol. II: 94): "Capital. Northern Spain. Limestone. First half of the XIIth century[...] -- This large capital, of unknown provenance, has a bulky, chalice-like bell joined at the base to a short and disproportionately slender neck and astragal. The upper part of the block exhibits the volute structure and abacus of the Corinthian order. A pair of inverted feline quadrupeds placed back to back fill each of the four places. The carving has a boldly tectonic, yet buoyantly springy quality. The motif of paired lions, twisting back to bite their tails or extremities, occurs in Romanesque sculpture on both sides of the Pyrenees." [NB: Cahn's catalogue shows this entry with inventory No. 09.SP.163, which appears to be the correct one]. The Glencairn Museum facilitated the following description to BSI for their item with inventory no. 09.SP.164 [error in the communication? -- both appear to refer to the same piece]: "Sculpture, limestone. French. Capital with inverted beasts. XIIth century. Provenance: [unknown]. Description: very large capital with two inverted beasts on each side (horse-like), one pair of legs supporting each corner volute. The bodies of the animals are tied with ropes, each one holds on e end of the rope between its teeth, the ropes end in large balls. Vigorous but rather crude carving. Condition: good; slight damage to base and abacus." [We are grateful to The Glencairn Museum, Academy of the New Church, Brynn Athyn, Pennsylvania, and to Nathan Cole, for the information on, and images of this object]