Fleuriel - Notre Dame

The 12th century church "Notre-Dame de Fleuriel" was once the seat of a priory, connected the abbey in Tournus. Now it is the parish church. It is known for the western portal. I had read, that it is one of the finest in the area of Bourbonnais. Well, the finer the work of art is, the more restauration and conservation it needs over the time. On this quiet sunday morning, I could slip under the cover and have a close look.

But I did not find the right distance to take photos. This is a detail from the capital, on the right side of the door. I was pretty sure, that this is a mermaid, when I saw it first.
Meanwhile I doubt that a bit. This could be as well a person growing out of the bud. Or it could be the head of a "tendrillar monster". After having entwined the small human body, it now swallows it.