Decorative ornament - Spain - Gargoyle






Graduated in art history with over 25 years' experience in antiques and applied arts appraisal.
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 127526 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Bronze gargoyle from the 19th century, mounted on a stone pedestal added in the 20th century, with a green patina, dimensions 23 cm high, 14 cm wide and 10 cm deep, produced in Spain and presenting an antique Gothic style.
Description from the seller
This decorative piece combines two distinct moments in a single composition: an ancient bronze gargoyle, probably from the 19th century, mounted on a stone display stand added in the 20th century to turn it into an autonomous ornamental object.
The gargoyle, worked in bronze with a greenish patina that betrays its age, presents that fantastic and expressive style typical of the figures that adorned cornices, eaves, and façades. Its stylized forms, the spread wings, and the energy contained in the stance evoke the medieval imagery reinterpreted by 19th-century artisans, when these creatures were revived as symbols of protection, mystery, and architectural strength.
The stone support, with irregular cut and natural texture, acts as a pedestal that enhances the figure and makes it an exhibit piece. This type of mounting was common in the 20th century, when architectural fragments or ancient sculptures were adapted for decorative use indoors, respecting their character but giving them a new function.
Overall, the work conveys a blend of authentic antiquity and modern decorative sensibility: the gargoyle preserves its symbolic power and artisanal quality, while the stone base provides stability and sculptural presence. It is a singular piece, with personality, ideal for those who appreciate objects with history and a touch of mystery.
Tracked shipping and careful packaging.
Seller's Story
Translated by Google TranslateThis decorative piece combines two distinct moments in a single composition: an ancient bronze gargoyle, probably from the 19th century, mounted on a stone display stand added in the 20th century to turn it into an autonomous ornamental object.
The gargoyle, worked in bronze with a greenish patina that betrays its age, presents that fantastic and expressive style typical of the figures that adorned cornices, eaves, and façades. Its stylized forms, the spread wings, and the energy contained in the stance evoke the medieval imagery reinterpreted by 19th-century artisans, when these creatures were revived as symbols of protection, mystery, and architectural strength.
The stone support, with irregular cut and natural texture, acts as a pedestal that enhances the figure and makes it an exhibit piece. This type of mounting was common in the 20th century, when architectural fragments or ancient sculptures were adapted for decorative use indoors, respecting their character but giving them a new function.
Overall, the work conveys a blend of authentic antiquity and modern decorative sensibility: the gargoyle preserves its symbolic power and artisanal quality, while the stone base provides stability and sculptural presence. It is a singular piece, with personality, ideal for those who appreciate objects with history and a touch of mystery.
Tracked shipping and careful packaging.
