Marble stoup carved with the head of Saint Roch's dog, with - Lot 32

Marble stoup carved with the head of Saint Roch's dog, with hanging ears, crushed muzzle and open mouth. Pyrenees, 15th/16th century H. 19.5 cm - W. 25.5 cm - D. 34 cm This highly original stoup probably comes from a former chapel dedicated to Saint Roch. The wall of a house in Tuzaguet (Hautes-Pyrénées, France) features a dog's head in a similar style, said to have come from the village's former chapel dedicated to the anti-weed saint, which was destroyed and rebuilt in the early 20th century (fig.). It testifies to the popularity of this saint, born in Montpellier around 1350, who spread throughout the south of France towards the end of the Middle Ages, being particularly invoked during plague epidemics. Saint Roch's dog was as popular as Saint Anthony's pig, extending the cult of the plague-ridden saint to include animal protection.