Devil with Three Faces Brooch

Handsome devil! This large brooch is patterned after three nearly identical authentic examples, all dated 1375-1425. In all three cases, whatever the devil is holding in his hands is broken off so, after searching the Index of Christian Art, we supplied a meat hook and a scourge. This devil is related iconographically to the Satan of Dante’s Inferno, who has three faces and is standing in a vast sea of ice (presumably explaining the lack of legs). He does not, however, have three sets of bat wings growing out of his upper body. Some of our customers have pointed out his resemblance to Krampus!

He has not one, but two tongues sticking out, suggesting that he is meant as a protective amulet.

The three examples come from three different molds (or mold cavities at least) and both France and the Low Countries, so the brooch must have been in demand. We love him to pieces too!