Corbel
Unknown Artist
15th century
Medium
Stone
Dimensions
Overall: 14 9/16 x 6 7/8 x 10 1/4 in. (37 x 17.5 x 26 cm)
Classification
Sculpture-Architectural
Culture
French
Department
The Cloisters
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George Blumenthal, 1934
Accession Number
34.21.15
Tags
About this artwork
[Research in progress for Corbel by Unknown Artist, 15th century]
Art Historical Context
This 15th-century French corbel, carved from stone, exemplifies the intricate architectural sculpture of late medieval Europe. Measuring 14 9/16 x 6 7/8 x 10 1/4 inches, it was designed to project from a wall, supporting structural elements like arches or beams while serving as a decorative flourish. Housed in The Cloisters at the Metropolitan Museum of Art—a branch devoted to medieval treasures—this piece was generously gifted by George Blumenthal in 1934. In Gothic architecture, prevalent in 15th-century France, corbels like this one blended utility with artistry, often adorned with lively ...