Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: chameleon

Notre-Dame was built from white, local stones within the 12th century and got remodeled and enlarged at least three times, before the 19th-renovation startet. Actually parts of the transept are even older, dated to the 11th century. Three domes span over the nave. This church is known for the capitals. In case, there were doubts about the existence of a crocodile on the other capital (previous upload), all the doubts are gone here. This is a crocdile - and below is a chameleon.There cannot be any doubt about these animals. They are still exotic, but within the 12th centuries these animals must have been a myth. If - this capital was created within the 12th century. Did the carver return from a cruisade and saw crocodiles and chameleons? The sculpture of chameleon is so detailled - did he own a stuffed lizard? Or was this capital added during the 19th-century-renovation - and so is only about 150 years old? I could not find out, but it may well be.