MEDIEVAL SCULPTURE

1280

A limestone label stop or corbel in the form of a male head. The carving dates between the late 13th to mid 14th century.The head is that of a young-looking male, probably an adolescant. The head is life-like and in good condition. The face is oval, narrow and has large pointed-oval shaped eyes. The eye lids are clearly defined, as are the tear-ducts in the inner corners. The nose is slightly damaged at the tip. The mouth is clearly defined and carved to give it the appearance of a gentle smile. The centre of the mouth is also damaged.The hair is carved with great attention to detail and denotes the head as male. The hairline is very short and tight to the forehead, with a small parting at his left hand side. The side hair extends beneath the ears but not as far as the the line of the chin. The hair is carved as a series of vertical ridges.At the top of the head is a flat circular ledge which extends behind to form of the top of the label stop. The stop is rectangular in cross-section.Similar label stops can be seen on the entrances to medieval churches and at the base of arches. This stop was found in a ploughed field near to the site of the former church of Saltfleetby St Peters, from which it presumably originated. The limestone is only slightly weathered suggesting that it was originally located within the church or within the porch.