Images
https://piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di?e=81FCAF7A127F3A8DC0B7FE76E4C13E824536A2AE5D950104B47A766F4D927E13&s=24247294&se=404988108&v=1&f=%5Cd3910%5Cu3439100%5C1919.1023_o2.jpg
Jul 6, 2021
Roof Boss
Roof Boss
1400s
Limestone with traces of polychromy
Overall: 73.7 x 73.7 cm (29 x 29 in.)
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1919.1023
Location
Download and Share
Description
In medieval architecture, a "boss" refers to an ornamentally carved, often painted and gilded, keystone. It was placed at the intersection of ribs in a vaulted roof in order to lock its members into position. Noteworthy examples are found in many of Europe's monastic cloisters and cathedrals. This example and the other shown nearby are reportedly from the vaulted ceiling of a monastery in Northern Spain. Their principal decorative motif consists of a spray of acanthus leaves.
Contact us
The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email [email protected].
To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.
All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.