A sculpted limestone column corner capital

A sculpted limestone column corner capital, probably 12th century, carved with two grotesque faces beneath a band of daipering in low relief

20cm high, 35cm long, 35cm wide

PROVENANCE:

Previously in the collection of the late Professor Charles Reginald Dodwell, Pilkington Professor of History of Art and Director of Whitworth Gallery, Manchester University 1966-89; and thence by descent

Condition Report: The capital bears the usual minor chips, scuffs and abrasions overall consistent with age and use. There are also slightly more significant chips, for instance to both noses, to some of the teeth and to the lozenge pattern along the top (all clear in the illustration).

There are faint traces of red and green paint along the chamfered edge, and traces of red to the tongue and eyes.

There is a circa 18cm groove, roughly cut into the top surface. There is also a dollop of modern cement, which might just be to the surface or might be filling a hole.

The back and sides are rough hewn.

There are no cracks with any movement and no structural weakness to the object.