Modillon - marble - France Romanesque period

A modillion is an architectural element found at the top of the walls and to support a cornice. It differs from the corbel by the care taken in its sculpture. Indeed, the modillion has a decorative purpose rather than a structural one, and is therefore more finely sculpted.
The great creativity of the imagiers and the richness of the themes addressed make the modillions of the Romanesque period remarkable elements. The naivety of the style of some is as striking as the finesse of others. The sculptors were particularly free in the creation of these architectural elements: floral or geometrical elements, erotic scenes, monsters or animals could rub shoulders with life scenes, religious, moral or educational themes.
Our piece of marble, a guarantee of quality and proof that this modillion was part of a rich architectural ensemble, seems to represent a horse's head in the pure Romanesque style: things are represented as they are imagined and not necessarily as they are.