Capitals and Abacuses from the Narthex of the Collegiale de Saint-Melaine de Preuilly-sur-Claise (The Annunciation)

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Capitals and Abacuses from the Narthex of the Collegiale de Saint-Melaine de Preuilly-sur-Claise (The Annunciation)

mid-1100s

Central France, Southern Touraine, mid-12th century

limestone with traces of paint

Overall: 51.5 x 63.5 x 37.8 cm (20 1/4 x 25 x 14 7/8 in.)

Gift of John L. Severance in memory of his beloved wife, Elisabeth DeWitt Severance 1930.18

Location: not on view

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Description

These larger capitals present the Nativity, Annunciation, and Visitation. To the medieval mind, these themes established the entrance of God into human history: God became man. The left capital presents a theophany—Christ in Majesty flanked by censing angels—and conflates Ascension and Second Coming iconography, characteristic of many 12th-century portals. The image shows Christ triumphant, ascending into heaven, and implies his ultimate return on Judgment Day. The remaining capitals present other themes characteristic of the period. The scene on the right depicts the punishment of Luxuria, a figure representing a cardinal sin, attacked by demons, snakes, and toads. Other capitals suggest more such punishments. Notice the array of fantastic creatures and torments: basilisks drinking from a chalice, warriors astride fantastic quadrupeds, a man riding two attacking lions, winged beasts with human heads, and griffins interlaced with a mask.