Carved dragon

Decorative oak figure carved in the shape of a baby dragon, from a landing post of the staircase from Morlaix, Brittany, France, 1522–30. There are two more of these dragon-like figures decorating the staircase, both composite creatures with cloven-hoofed rear legs. All three were probably to ward off evil, but also to amuse.
Museum no A.8.1909

Carved figure of St John the Baptist

Carved oak figure of St John the Baptist, from the top of the newel post of the staircase from Morlaix, Brittany, France, 1522–30.
This figure, like that of St Catherine, also on the top-floor, on the landing handrail, probably represents one of the patron saints of the family.
Museum no. A.8.1909

Carved figure of St Clement

Carved oak figure of St Clement, from the newel post (second floor ) of the staircase from Morlaix, Brittany, France, about 1522–30.
St Clement was pope between about AD 92–99 and was thought to be the second or third pope after St Peter. He was considered to be a martyr and is depicted carrying an anchor, because although nothing is actually known of his death, he was thought to have been executed by the emperor Trajan by being thrown into the sea weighted down by an anchor. His inclusion on the newel post was probably to demonstrate the owner's religious allegiances.

Museum no. A.8.1909

Carved figure of a peasant eating a joint of meat

Carved oak figure in the form of a peasant eating a joint of meat and holding a cup, from the first-floor landing handrail of the staircase from Morlaix, Brittany, France, 1552–30.

Carved figure of a king of France

Carved oak figure of an unidentified king of France, from the newel post (third floor) of the staircase from Morlaix, Brittany, France, about 1522–30. This figure is depicted wearing a fleur-de-lis crown and carring a sceptre, so must be a French king, though it has not been possible to identify which king he is meant to be. Tthis figure probably demonstrated the political allegiances of the owner, at a time when Brittany had only had only recently come to be regarded as part of the kingdom of France. Museum no. A.8.1909

Carved blank shield

Carved oak shield encircled with a cord, from the newel post of the staircase from Morlaix, Brittany, France, about 1522–30.
There are two blank shields carved into the newel post, that may once have borne the family's coat of arms. It has also been argued that the shields were deliberately left blank to indicate that the noble rights and privileges of the owners were suspended during their commercial activities, but that the family still retained its noble status.
Museum no. A.8.1909

Carved figure of a bishop

Carved oak figure of a bishop, from the newel post (first floor) of the staircase from Morlaix, Brittany, France, about 1522–30.
This figure of a bishop cannot be identified, but as with the figure of St Clement, demonstrated the religious allegiances of the owner.
Museum no. A.8.1909

Carved figure of St Catherine

Carved oak figure of St Catherine, from the third-floor landing handrail of the staircase from Morlaix, Brittany, France, 1522–30.
This figure, like that of St John, probably represents one of the patron saints of the family. The rich ornament echoed that of the house façade, where figures of saints or historical figures were placed on each storey.
Museum no. A.8.1909