February carvery (1)
Life is very busy at the moment, so for the next two weeks or so, I’m going do to some short posts. I thought a common theme, medieval church carving, might be entertaining, and would enable me to share a few more pictures from some recent discoveries and rediscoveries.
To begin with, a bit of early-14th century Gothic from the chancel at Navenby. This is what 14th-century Gothic is meant to look like: lots of little arches and niches, so smothered with ornament that you can hardly see the structure – crockets, finials, pinnacles everywhere. But here, as so often, there’s also a human touch – little heads that make it all less serious, one sticking its tongue out, another with a rather grumpy expression. This visitor went away far from grumpy.
2 comments:
This corresponds exactly with what I am currently writing about medieval literature, and Welsh medieval literature in particular. Exuberance, and an impish sense of fun. This is the architectural equivalent of the rich verses of the 14th century Dafydd ap Gwilym! A lot of anonymous architects and sculptors working away being as creative as they darned well please!
I am trying to get readers (if there ever are any, and I finish the book) to look at the artistic achievements of the period in the irresponsible spirit in which I presume they were meant. Thanks for this.
Those lovely little faces brought a smile to my face too. Wonderfully grumpy and a fabulous 'sod you' attitude. Love them. :)
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