Romanesque Capital

1st quarter of 12th century

This capital, one of a set of four that crown half-columns, reflects the development and evolution of the choir, a central place in the Christian liturgy, in Romanesque architecture. The once richly coloured capitals supported the triumphal arch at the entrance to the choir, as in the small Romanesque churches of the Agen region in south-western France. They are decorated with a variety of themes characteristic of Romanesque art: a naturalistic plant motif derived from acanthus leaves, fantastic beings like sirens, and figures riding lions, creatures typical of the medieval bestiary.

Artwork Details