The Witch on the Wall: Medieval Erotic Sculpture in the British Isles

by Jørgen Andersen

A female nude, often referring very openly to her genitals. Found on medieval buildings, churches and castles, but sometimes interpreted as a fertility figure of pagan origin. First developed by Romanesque carvers the image was adopted for protective purposes by builders in medieval England and Ireland. In the latter country it won particular favour, associated with lingering pagan beliefs. As an erotic subject of enigmatic origin the Sheela-na-gig has evaded scholars since the mid-nineteenth century, when antiquarians first began to wonder about that kind of figure.

Genres: Art

171 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977