Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill
Large 13th-15th Century English Medieval Antique Carved Stone Grotesque – Architectural Fragment
Large 13th-15th Century English Medieval Antique Carved Stone Grotesque – Architectural Fragment
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A powerful and expressive medieval carved stone grotesque, likely dating to the 13th–15th century, originally part of a church or civic building. Hewn from dense limestone and carved with exaggerated features, hunched posture, and a contorted face, this figure served both symbolic and architectural functions.
Grotesques were placed on medieval buildings to ward off evil, mock human folly, or embody moral warnings. Unlike gargoyles, which functioned as water spouts, grotesques were purely decorative and often positioned on corbels, string courses, or blind arcades. Their exaggerated forms were designed to provoke reflection, fear, or laughter — part of the medieval visual language that blended theology, folklore, and satire.
This example shows strong tool marks, weathering, and a deeply expressive face. It may have once flanked a doorway, supported a beam, or adorned a cloister wall.
This could be mounted for display; it offers a rare and tactile link to medieval architectural sculpture.
Provenance: England, 13th–15th century. retaining its original forged iron architectural pin.
Material: Carved limestone.
Condition: Grotesque figure with exaggerated features. Surface wear, edge losses, and weathering are consistent with age. Structurally stable. Photos show the actual item
Dimensions: Height: 56 cm / 22.05 in Width: 32 cm / 12.6 in Depth: 53 cm / 20.87 in
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