Gargoyle in gilded bronze. The fabulous animal projects forw - Lot 8

Gargoyle in gilded bronze. The fabulous animal projects forward, neck stretched, ears laid back, front legs stiffened, body emaciated, spine and ribs protruding. Attachment holes under the hind legs. Rheno-mosan, 13th century L. 5 cm Soclée This element, typical of the Gothic period, was placed on a piece of silverware, probably a reliquary, fixed horizontally, evoking the gargoyles of cathedrals. The workmanship is reminiscent of the fabulous bestiary that animates certain works by the Mosan silversmith Hugo d'Oignies, or attributed to his workshop, such as the feet of the reliquary of Saint Peter's rib or those of the large reliquary-turret of Saint Nicholas, like the gargoyles hanging from his bell tower (fig.). This use of dragons and other imaginary beasts is considered a tradition in Brother Hugo's work. There's a similar treatment of these animals, with their straight snouts, furrowed brows, pointed ears and ribcages with protruding ribs. Book consulted : - R. Didier sous la dir. de, Autour de Hugo d'Oignies, Namur, 2008, cat. 5 and 22, p 257.