My answer then was "no", but with the advent of a new camera, and half an hour to spare yesterday morning once I'd arrived in Norwich (for an appointment), I made a slight detour to the cathedral (last seen here in the company of Piggy & Tazzy) to bring you—but mainly The Mistress—these photos.
I haven't had much time to research the Green Man, but perhaps The Mistress may be able to answer any questions you may have in the comments (if she has the time—and the inclination—that is)?
I found an interesting site, The Company of the Green Man, that may explain more.
I like the first enormously. Although one does wonder to whom the little hands belong!
ReplyDeleteUg. I hadn't noticed the creepy little hands until you pointed them out. And as there are two of them, it can't be Jeremy Beadle.
DeleteThanks so much, Mr. DeVice!
ReplyDeleteI’m fascinated by The Green Man (also known as a “Foliate Head”) and it seems there’s no definitive answer on who he is or how he (or sometimes she) came to be.
Was he rich in symbolism or merely decorative? Theories abound. The Green Man remains a mystery.
You're welcome. Although, I could have made a bit more effort, but I haven't had much time lately. I've barely got any procrastinating done!
DeleteThank you for sharing this! Absolutely stunning and such detail! Must be lovely to have this in your backyard of sorts.
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely. And it saves on the expense of travelling!
DeleteThese are amazing fotos of some really cool architecture & stunning art! I've never heard of the Green Man in architecture til MJ asked & you shared these fotos. So thanks! The only Green men I could think of are the outer space alien variety.
ReplyDeleteI was aware of Green women figures so prevalent in Art Nouveau art. But these Green fellas are awesome! Such splendid creations! I'd spent all church time staring up at those figures instead of paying attention to the sermons. I'm going to see if I can get some installed in my place to class up the joint & make it look spectacular & sensational.
Well, as there doesn't seem to be a definitive origin of these Green Men, perhaps they are space aliens after all?!
DeleteThere was a film with a Green Man of which I can find no reference on the Internet... it was on every year in the seventies. Maybe it was a reoccurring dream?
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, wonderful photos, Mr Devine.
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Oh, my mistake.... I think the film was about The Green Knight.
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Coincidentally(?), the Green Knight was played by Nigel Green!
DeleteAnd there was a remake starring Miles O'Keefe(!!!) and Sean Connery!
Although Britain leads the way in number of Green Men, we have them here in Canada too. In fact, there are Green Men on the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa.
ReplyDeleteAnd the Mint issued Green Man silver coins.
Poor Green Man. The Mint called him "grotesque" - he just needs a bit of a seeing to with a pair of secateurs.
DeleteI'm going to be onl the lookout for more Green Man examples, now.