A Beautifully Naïve Carved Tudor Panel

In M W Tisdall’s book, ‘God’s Beasts’, the writer describes the leucrota, a mythical beast with cloven hooves, a mouth open as far as the ears, and instead of teeth, a continuous jaw bone.

I am not convinced this panel depicts said beast – to my mind the demeanour is far too gregarious for an animal produced from a liaison between a lion and a hyena. Rather, I would suggest the animal is a well-meaning dog, with lolling tongue and sticking-up ears.

Two images of medieval leucrotas are shown for comparison.

Whatever, the fellow sits within a roundel surrounded by a heavily chip-carved frame, all of which has achieved a really deep, rich colour.

English, circa 1560-1600.

Width 10 inches, height 12.5 inches.

Ref 2803