Three 17th Century, English ‘Green Man’ Sandstone Architectural Heads
Ex English Private Collection

With its origins deeply rooted in ancient pagan culture the image of the ‘Green Man’, the human face amidst or sometimes merged with foliage has been known, used and adopted by a huge variety of people for hundreds of years. From churches and tombs to public houses, it has featured in many carvings both crude and sophisticated in wood and stone. Often the subject of debate, the definitive meaning of the ‘Green Man’ appears to have been lost in antiquity, although interestingly, left open to personal interpretation its broad relevance, appeal and popularity as an image remains constant.

The three heads displaying a most striking blackened patina acquired from protracted external exposure. Although sharing many obvious similarities, the faces portray remarkably different, individual characters.

Dimensions (Approximate)

1: Height: 24cm,  Width: 19cm,  Depth:19cm,  Overall Height: 36cm (Including stand)

2: Height: 24cm,  Width: 19cm,  Depth: 21cm,  Overall Height: 36cm (Including stand)

3: Height: 24cm,  Width: 19cm,  Depth: 19cm,  Overall Height: 36cm (Including stand)