Griffins and sea monsters

Sculptor: Rafael Atché, signed
Design: Josep Fontseré
Materials: White marble

Fontseré four figures devised to act as elements of visual transition between the two gaps of the bottom of the source. These figures represent four taps, fantastic monsters of Eastern mythology, half-lion half eagle, known to be custodians of sacred, so their representation is not strange at the entrances of many cities in the Middle East. Although the tap is strictly known as a mix between a lion and an eagle, its representation can vary greatly, mixed with parts of other animals, sometimes with symbolic allusions, but this is the case of Ciutadella. The item Venus has no clear link iconológico, which suggests, again, that his appearance is simply a decorative made.

As is the representation of beings animals without an iconography very clear, Ramon Atché decided to establish slight differences between the monsters, so none are alike. One has the eagle's head while the head of others is a lion, and the wings of each figure are treated in a different way: from a membranous wings bat to different types of pens, larger or smaller, or flakes.

The four taps, by its very artificiality -animals irreales- are treated as decorative elements, without there being any intention by the sculptor verismo; therefore, the stylization of animals -the wings, heads, the position- is much freer than other elements of the set. In these works he has wanted to see a precedent of modernism, taking into account the subsequent popularity of Atché Rafael, who came to portray King Alfonso XII.