Medieval Roof Bosses

The helter skelter will be at norwich cathedral until 18 august.

Medieval roof bosses.

There are several very nicely carved 17th century grave slabs but the real treasure here has to be the painted medieval roof bosses. Medieval roof bosses my favourite spot in the cathedral is near the west window and the font where one can see the magnificent wooden roof bosses beautifully carved with the contrast between the graceful pelican and the terrifying gargoyle of judas disappearing into it s mouth. Medieval understandings of vision are considered as are the circumstances in which roof bosses may have been seen and used. Each piece is a work of art in it s own right.

1 this work was based on twenty years of research during which time cave took over 8000 photographs mostly in cathedrals and great churches. Joe giddens pa the rev bryant added. Images of wild men appear in the carved and painted roof bosses where intersecting ogee vaults meet in canterbury cathedral in positions where one is also likely to encounter the vegetal green man. In 1948 charles john philip cave published roof bosses in medieval churches.

In gothic architecture such roof bosses or ceiling bosses are often intricately carved with foliage heraldic devices or other decorations. A new app launched by norwich cathedral will allow visitors to get closer than ever before to the historic building s stunning collection of medieval roof boss sculptures. Beautifully detailed miniture reproductions of cathedral roof bosses and the green man from the great cathedrals of britain. They have been faithfully reproduced from the medieval originals.

The thesis argues in particular that many bosses may have served as mnemonic devices and aids to prayer in a penitential process which sought to cure the soul of sin. Roof bosses high overhead the cathedral boasts over a thousand carvings in wood or stone that cover the joins between the stone ribs of its vaulted ceilings. The green man is a frequent subject. These roof bosses range from simple 13th century leaf designs to elaborate renaissance images of angels animals and beasts heraldic badges and emblems of christ s passion.

An aspect of gothic sculpture his magnum opus. Designs include the crowned figure of christ st catherine of alexandria with her wheel the head of a bearded man a goat a tudor rose a chicken and four examples of a green man. Replica cathedral roof bosses and green men. The image of the wild man survived to appear as supporter for heraldic coats of arms especially in germany well into the 16th century.

We have one of the greatest collections of medieval roof bosses anywhere in.