Title of Work
Nave Capital 55: Grotesque Figures
Begin Date
1120
End Date
1138
Description
This capital contains several grotesque figures (demons?) Left face of this capital contains a naked emaciated (flayed?) humanoid figure stooping forward. It has large head, curled hair, fluted ears, and a large open mouth with prominent teeth. On the top of its head is a large shape which is so damaged that it is impossible to tell what it was originally - some scholars have suggested that it is a bird. The humanoid figure has cloven hooves instead of feet. It's large hands are in front of it, holding an object that has been broken off. Below it is a round object with a rim. On the corner between the left face and the front face something been broken off. It is impossible to tell whether this is just the edge of the capital, or is some object being attacked by the figures on the capital's faces On the central face of the capital: A grotesque figure stands behind a winged, reptilian monster. The front figure has a large mouth with two tusks and a protruding tongue. The front of its neck and body is marked with a line of small holes. It has lion's feet and its body is covered with what appears to be hair. It has large winds which appear to be covered with feathers. It appears to have a curving tail. Behind it stands a humanoid figure with a large, round head and an open mouth with two large protrubent teeth. (one broken off) In its hands is a long object (a spear, a rope?) which leads to the broken area between the central and left faces of the capital Salet calls it a combat between two demons. Compare to Nave capital 15. Salet: Number 55 Location:North side of nave. West side of sixth arcade pier. Alternate search terms (See text above for synonyms): devil, nude, fang, pelt
Country
France
Location
Vézelay
Monument
Ste. Marie-Madeleine
Style
Romanesque
Type of Work
Sculpture
Subtype of Work
Capital
Category of Work
Nave
Material
Stone
Subjects
Vézelay (Abbey)--Pictorial works.; Sculpture--France--Vézelay--Pictorial works.; Church architecture--France--Vézelay--Pictorial works.; Architecture, Romanesque--France--Vézelay--Pictorial works.
Patron
Abbot Renaud de Semur
Condition
Somewhat restored
Bibliography
Photographer
JV
Copyright
Media
Slide-35 mm
Identifier
FVEZ.CAPITAL.NAVE.N055.1

Vézelay: Benedictine Abbey of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, Church

Nave Capital 55: Grotesque Figures

(FVEZ.CAPITAL.NAVE.N055.1)
size