Moulding taken from one of the 26 decorated corbels supporting the hammer-beamStructural framework of timbers designed to bridge the space above a room and to provide support for a roof. roof at Westminster Hall. The angel is carrying the shield of King Richard II, and the original dates from the 14th century.
V&A

A corbel is a structural piece of stone, wood or metal jutting from and embedded in a wall to carry a superincumbent load such as an arch, beam, parapet or truss, essentially acting as a supported cantilever.[1] It differs from the similar-looking console, an ornamental piece applied to the structure of a building to give the appearance of supporting the architectural element above it, such as a balcony,[2] a distinction mirroring that between the column and the pilasterDecorative architectural element used to give the appearance of a supporting column, to articulate an extent of wall..

The term is derived from the Old French corbel, which in turn comes from the Latin corvellum, a diminutive of corvus, meaning “raven”, in reference to the structure’s beak-like appearance.[3]

Corbels fixed high in the wall of a medieval church, supporting an arch or vault rib, were often given the form of angels, because of their lofty position.[4]

References



Bibliography


Curl, James Stevens, and Susan Wilson. “Corbel.” Oxford Dictionary of Architecture, Online, Oxford University Press, 2021, https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780191918742.001.0001/acref-9780191918742-e-1159.
Curl, James Stevens, and Susan Wilson. “Console.” Oxford Dictionary of Architecture, Online, Oxford University Press, 2021, https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780191918742.001.0001/acref-9780191918742-e-1143.
OED. “Corbel.” Oxford English Dictionary, Online, Oxford  University Press, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/2148016880.