Artwork Page for Engaged Capital with a Lion and a Basilisk

Details / Information for Engaged Capital with a Lion and a Basilisk

Engaged Capital with a Lion and a Basilisk

1175–1200
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Northern Italy, Emilia (Bologna?), 12th century

Medium
marble
Measurements
Overall: 30.2 x 33 x 29.3 cm (11 7/8 x 13 x 11 9/16 in.)
Weight: 68.039 kg (150 lbs.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1972.20
Public Domain
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Location
106B Romanesque & Gothic Sculpture
Print
?

Did You Know?

This capital depicts a struggle between the good lion and the evil basilisk, a legendary reptile from myth. While the artist would not have encountered the mythical serpent, it is likely he never saw a real lion either based on its cartoonish appearance in this sculpture.

Description

The basilisk is an imaginary animal, half cock and half snake. According to medieval bestiaries, the basilisk could kill merely by its glance. It was commonly held as the symbol of the devil to be trodden down by Christ, first at the moment of his incarnation and then again during the Last Judgment.

Engaged Capital with a Lion and a Basilisk

1175–1200

Northern Italy, Emilia (Bologna?), 12th century

See Also

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