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Hellmouth

Hellmouths are, as the name implies, portals to hell in the shape of monsterous mouths. They were commonly depicted in medieval art and some Northern Renaissance art but fell out of favour by the end of the 16th century.

Here are some of my favourite examples. Some of these are terrifying, and some are a bit silly.

Large green monster with open mouth
Queen Mary Apocalypse, 14th century
The Book of Knighthood, 1460
The Hours of Catherine Cleves, 1440
Simon Marmion, The Beast Acheron, 1470
The Hours of Catherine Cleves, 1440
Le Livre de la Vigne nostre Seigneur, 15th century
Apocalypse de S. Jean, 1313
Hugo von Trimberg, Der Renner, 1425-31
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