491133 Guardian Griffin, 1150-1175 (pink limestone (Verona Marble)) by Italian School, (12th century); h:75.90 w:50.16 d:120.65 Wt: 1348 lbs cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: Griffins are fabled creatures that have the characteristics of an eagle and a lion--combining watchfulness and courage. In Christian art, the dual nature of the griffin was often used to signify that of Christ himself: divine (bird) and human (animal). Griffins were often used as guardian figures in church sculpture and were placed in portals and choir screens. The creatures seen here, with their inward-turning heads, were certainly used for such a purpose. When viewed from the front, one griffin may be seen protecting the figure of a knight between its paws, while the other griffin guards a calf. Their original function was probably to support the columns of a porch in front of a church doorway. ); Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust; Italian, out of copyright.