Capital depicting Monsters Devouring Human Beings
Artist/Culture
French
Date1100–1200
Mediumlimestone
Dimensions68.6 x 62.8 x 62.8 cm (27 x 24 3/4 x 24 3/4 in.)
ClassificationsArchitectural Elements
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Terms
Object number1941.42
Label TextThis capital was once at the top of a column in the church of Notre-Dame de Montermoyen near the French city of Bourges. It demonstrates the revival of monumental stone carving, which had declined after the fall of the Roman Empire. The classical acanthus leaves of ancient Roman capitals, like the one on the far side of this courtyard, inspired the fanciful medieval foliage on the nearby example. Here, the medieval carver's imagination takes the process one step further, transforming the leaves into monstrous intertwined animals and humans.ProvenanceRobinson Galleries, NYOn View
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