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Harry Potter fans (such as myself) will certainly enjoy this basilisk grotesque carved into the façade of Amiens Cathedral in France. It is interesting that the basilisk (or cockatrice) of medieval legend looks almost nothing like the one described in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, but its other characteristics and the deadly effects of its stare are identical. As a nerdy bonus, here is a great article from the Smithsonian Magazine about the history of the basilisk legend.
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Must read that Smithsonian article. Much thanks for following First Night Design! I also have a history blog you might like (mostly re-blogs) http://firstnighthistory.wordpress.com
Thanks for letting me know. I just followed that one, too. Glad to see you liked my Isabella Stewart Gardner piece. 🙂
The Smithsonian article is definitely worth a read.
That was quick – thank you!
I’m not usually that speedy. I just happen to be sitting right next to my computer.
I must admit that I enjoy that kind of spooky serendipity. I don’t know much about basilisks on wall paintings, but a quick search did turn up this:
http://historienerrant.wordpress.com/2013/07/20/a-bishop-a-bust-and-a-basilisk-and-wall-paintings-loads-of-wall-paintings/
Hi Alex. Excellent article and post, thanks. In an instance of spooky serendipity I completed conservation work on a mid C17 domestic wall painting that may (or may not!) depict a basilisk on the very day your post arrived in my inbox. We were – and still are – unsure of the subject matter, but it contains remains of a cockerel, a snake and 2 brown animals that we thought may be foxes but, if it was indeed a basilisk, then they could be weasels – according to the legend. Unfortunately, the cockerel and snake elements are on a different (and later) layer than the weasels (if that is what they are); although that could simply mean a repainting of the same scheme – not uncommon in English wall painting. Anyway, it has given me considerable food for thought as I write my treatment report, especially as I am hard-pressed at the moment to think of another example of a wall painting of a basilisk in wall painting. Perhaps your readership knows of others…..?
Thanks again.
What a fantastic find! As a fellow Harry Potter fan, I share your excitement and it’s great to learn more about the legend too. Thanks for sharing them both.
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
The mission of A Scholarly Skater Art History is to make historical art and architecture accessible to everyone.
I’m Alexandra, an art historian who believes that looking at art can enrich everyone’s life. Welcome to my website!
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Art history is an inherently subjective field, and my perspective isn’t the only one. I encourage all my readers to seek out differing opinions and read multiple sources to get a broader and more complete view of this complex and fascinating field of study. Read my disclaimers for more information.
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