Scott only says it's: "Angel, Wood, Moutier-D'Ahun"
As best as I can determine from Google, what was once a Benedictine abbey and became a church, is decorated with ornate 17th Century wood carvings by Simon Bauer and his journeymen. One source says "Angels’ faces, fantasy characters and abundant fruit decorate the edifice bringing together in the same building Gothic, Roman and Baroque art."
So now for the question: I have a mermaid topical collection. That sure looks like a mermaidish creature on top of grape vines. The head and tail look mermaid with the midsection more like a Harpy. Does anyone know what this wood carving is supposed to depict?
Lars
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"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."
"Looks like the female torso is being swallowed unless she (he) has at least one claw (right arm)"
I don't think that's it. It looks like a cross between a harpy and mermaid. A harpy is upper human and lower bird (hence the claws and wings). A mermaid is upper human and lower tail. Sometime it has scales and looks like a fish tail, but sometimes it's more like dolphin (since it is a mammal).
The progression from harpy to mermaid reminds me of the Warsaw Coat of Arms. That started as a harpy an morphed into a mermaid. Here we have all three together, it appears.
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"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."
Could this be your mythical figure. A kind of syren or mermaid termed melusine. Melusina it is said was a fairy condemned by some spell to become, on Saturdays only, half woman and half serpent.
Fun innit.
You know what, sheepshanks, it looks like Melusine, like the Warsaw Coat of Arms, has morphed since the 17th century. I wonder if they are at all related. But Melusine didn't sprout wings until she flew away. Interesting.
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"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."
