Column
1225-1250 (carved)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This is one of four columns, two of them supported by lions, which probably supported a raised pulpit (or ambo). The ornament includes figures of the prophets Jeremiah and Zachariah, believed to have foretold the Coming of Christ and his Passion. Also represented are St Paul with his sword, the archangel Michael slaying the dragon, and St Stephen.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Carved walnut |
| Brief description | Carved column, walnut wood, Southern Italy (Calabria?) or Sicily, 1225-1250 |
| Physical description | Carved column, walnut. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Object history | This column has a circular shaft and squared capital. Many decorative patterns and motifs embellish the column. The four faces of the capital show St Paul, holding his customary sword, with St Michael with dragon, intertwined with stylised plants and beasts. For original context see P. Williamson, 'Catalogue of Romanesque Sculpture' (V&A publication, London, 1983), p.76. |
| Historical context | Church furnishings carved from wood from this date are very rare, partly because wood does not survive as well as stone, but also because stones such as marble were seen as the more prestigious material, and thus better suited to a church interior. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This is one of four columns, two of them supported by lions, which probably supported a raised pulpit (or ambo). The ornament includes figures of the prophets Jeremiah and Zachariah, believed to have foretold the Coming of Christ and his Passion. Also represented are St Paul with his sword, the archangel Michael slaying the dragon, and St Stephen. |
| Bibliographic reference | See Catalogue record for 269-1886. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 269B-1886 |
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| Record created | December 15, 1999 |
| Record URL |
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