Description
This is a modern capital, but is a faithful copy of a damaged capital now in the museum at Vézelay
On the center pf the central face of the capital, a man faces the viewer. He is being tormented by two demons which stand on either side of him. The man has a long beard. He is wearing what appears to be a cape with a hood and has bare feet. His arms are crossed in front of him- one grasps the arm of the demon on his right, the other holds the front opening of his cape.
On either side of him stands a demon One of the demons, on the left, pulls his beard with one hand and raises his other as a clenched fist. The demon on the right side of the capital pulls at the cape of the central figure with one hand, wile the other raises a rod like object with a curved head (a mace?) The demons are naked and their ribs and muscles are visible (emaciated? Flayed?) They have large round heads and open mouths with flat teeth. Both have feathered wings and small tail (reminiscent of those of fauns in classical mythology?) They have the bushy hair often associated with demons at Vézelay. (see nave capitals 6, 15, 21, 31, 56, 62, Narthex capital 11)
On the right side of the capital (not shown) is another figure who appears to be a monk or hermit.
Salet: Number 63-
North side of nave. East side of eighth arcade pier.
Alternate search terms (See text above for synonyms): devil, nude