The gate of the year

Sculpted corbel in the shape of a bull, from the Parochial Church of Saint-Michel, Charente, France, built in the XII century.
In contrast with what had occurred in Antiquity, the bull was in the Middle Ages an animal fallen out of favor. From a respected and feared symbol, it became a sort of infernal beast. Its sexual potency, which deserved it the reputation of fertility symbol in the Ancient World, became a negative element in the treatises and bestiaries, reminding of the lustful behavior which the good Christian had not to follow. Nevertheless, this animal did not disappear completely from the collective imaginary and is found in the decoration of several medieval churches.

[Image: http://www.amolenuvolette.it/root/image/abrupt_clio_team.folder/merveilles% 20des%20%C3%A9gllises% 20romanes.folder/]




Animals

Back

Sculpted corbel in the shape of a bull, from the Parochial Church of Saint-Michel, Charente, France, built in the XII century. In contrast with what had occurred in Antiquity, the bull was in the Middle Ages an animal fallen out of favor. From a respected and feared symbol, it became a sort of infernal beast. Its sexual potency, which deserved it the reputation of fertility symbol in the Ancient World, became a negative element in the treatises and bestiaries, reminding of the lustful behavior which the good Christian had not to follow. Nevertheless, this animal did not disappear completely from the collective imaginary and is found in the decoration of several medieval churches. [Image: http://www.amolenuvolette.it/root/image/abrupt_clio_team.folder/merveilles% 20des%20%C3%A9gllises% 20romanes.folder/]