Sculptural Reliefs

Mediaeval decoration abounds in St. Antonin in the form of sculptural reliefs.




One of the most famous & certainly most photographed is this kissing couple on the 16 th century " Maison d' Amour ".





But perhaps the oldest & most elaborate is this sculptural depiction of Adam & Eve on the former Hotel De Ville dating back to the 12th century.




This stately lion stands guard over a grand port.




While this lioness sports a pot of ivy.




Here a kitten with a long branch in tow decorates the sill of a window.




An upside-down mermaid adorns a doorway.




Not only decorative, often these sculptural elements were in fact elaborate drainage systems, as in this case. I thought the placement of the modern drain pipe right next to the old a perfect juxtaposition,




My favorite of these sculptural reliefs are the simple portraitures that you will see scattered through out the town.




Each face probably a representation of someone who once lived within these very walls.




A 19 th century sculptor, who lived & worked in St. Antonin, added his own modern version of the medieval custom over his studio door.

Location:France