Jerpoint - Exhibitionist

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On the base of the Cloister pillar (Pier 8) rests a male figure reclining in a compromising position. Frequently referred to as a sloth, this attribution stems from Edwin Rae's suggestion in his paper on the site (1966 JRSAI Vol 96, No 1, pp 59-51). In reality, Rae was the first to identify the carving as such. The figure appears to be engaging in a lewd act, which is a departure from the typical depictions of luxuria [sic] found in insular Gothic sculpture. Such explicit details are rarely emphasized or acknowledged in these works. A possible interpretation is that the figure is an exhibitionist, given its prominent genitals. This depiction could also be seen as derogatory, drawing parallels with the evil executioner in an English alabaster from around 1480. Perhaps the little Irish figure suggests sloth, yet it should be classified as an exhibitionist.