The Spandrel with a Griffin in a Roundel, with alternate titles such as ‘Fragment depicting a Griffin’ and ‘Carved Limestone Fragment - Lion of St. Mark,’ is a French-made limestone spandrel fragment that was used to ensure the structural stability of an arch while also displaying a beautiful carving of a griffin. The object is fairly small: it is around 28 inches long, 10 inches tall, and 7 inches wide. There are three distinctive elements that separates this object from the rest of the exhibit:

a) The first important visual element is the unique, upside-down triangular shape of the object along with the shallow arched edges of the block which suggest that it was found at the intersection of repeating archways. An important characteristic of the Romanesque period of art and architecture was the use of arches, which gave structural integrity to the interior or exterior of a building while also providing a large amount of open space for individuals to walk under. Arches also gave way for artistic expression: the triangular space between arches were known as spandrels, and were frequently filled with decorative elements. 


b) The second important visual element is the roundel, which is the unique and incredible detail encircling the griffin. Roundels are used to draw viewers into whatever is inside of it, which is typically the main focus of the artwork. Because roundels don't have to be the same across different pieces of artwork, artists can display their own unique twist - the roundel on my object is arguably the most detailed part of the entire piece, with miniature circles and V-shaped segments that may resemble leaves. The roundel adds dimension to the object: there is a very distinct layering that separates the griffin from the stone layer of the spandrel. This allows for viewers to easily direct their attention to the focal point of the object. 

c) The third and most important visual element of the object is the griffin, a mythical creature that is the composite of both a lion and an eagle. The griffin became an important symbol of nobility and power across different Mediterranean cultures, however the beauty of the griffin in art history is that it has been able to shift meanings depending on the culture it is being represented within. In ancient Byzantine art, griffins encircled by roundels often emblazoned silks, textiles, and other luxury goods made by Byzantine and Islamic craftsmen (McClanan 2019). In Christian cultures, griffins were used to represent Christ. Considering the object's origin in France (a Christian country), the griffin may have been used to instill religious fervor in French Crusaders before battle, or to remind them of the fascinating textile and silk productions of the Holy Land.