The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of April 19, 2024
Roof Boss
1400s
Overall: 73.7 x 73.7 cm (29 x 29 in.)
Location: not on view
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.- reportedly from the vaulted ceiling of a monastery in northern Spain. (P. W. French and Co., New York).
- {{cite web|title=Roof Boss|url=false|author=|year=1400s|access-date=19 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1919.1023