A Circa 1900 Replica Model of the François Sauvage Well Head, Cluny, Paris

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A replica of an original 16th-century well covering, this French model dates to circa 1900. Measuring 32 inches tall, our … Read more A replica of an original 16th-century well covering, this French model dates to circa 1900. Measuring 32 inches tall, our well head is a fantastic representation of the much larger original, which has been on display in a courtyard at the Musée de Cluny in Paris since 1870 (see last detail photo). Dating to the Late Renaissance, the stone covered a well at the manor of Francois Sauvage, who controlled silver during the reign of Charles VIII in the late 1400s. Well heads were used to prevent people from stumbling into the open hole, but some, such as the Sauvage one, were quite ornate.

The stone has a long extension at the top that depicts a humanoid gargoyle. Based on the European legend of the homme sauvage (“Wild Man”), with an ironic nod to Monsieur Francois’ surname, the figure represents a link between the wild and civilized societies. In its original form, the gargoyle acts as a spout for overflow, as evidenced by the open mouth channel.

Rising above the circular opening is an iron overthrow, complete with a miniature pulley wheel. The tripartite spire crests with leafy fleur de lys finials, scrolls, and a central pinnacle of flowering plants. A small brass placard can be seen to the right of the gargoyle, affixed beneath the protruding rim of the opening. It reads Margelle de puits. Provenant du Manoir du Sauvage. D’amboise XVI siècle (“Wellhead from the Manor of Sauvage in Amboise – 16th century”). Our replica model of the Sauvage wellhead would make a fascinating decorative accessory in an office, library, or even an entry hall. See less