Door Mount

French

On view at The Met Cloisters in Gallery 01

Their utilitarian function notwithstanding, medieval door mounts are often ornately designed, with geometric and fanciful motifs. Here, the beasts resemble panthers, which according to medieval bestiaries, exuded a sweet-smelling breath that attracted animals upon which they preyed. The church dedicated to Saint Leonard of Noblat near Limoges was frequented by pilgrims who believed that the saint was particularly efficacious in liberating prisoners.

Door Mount, Iron, French

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