MEDIEVAL SCULPTOR, German
(active c. 1200 in Bavaria)

Animal column

c. 1200
Stone, height 259 cm
Cathedral of St Mary and St Corbinian, Freising

Animal columns are a special form of Romanesque sculpture found mainly on French church portals (an example can be found in Souillac). Animals in all shapes populated free-standing columns or other supports, extending the sculptures on the capitals and bases across the entire shaft. However, there are columns of this type in Italy (in Lucca) and in England (in Kilpeck). The only example in Germany is to be found in the crypt of Freising Cathedral. The latter depicts a dramatic battle between two winged dragons and knights.