The Creation of Eve and the Fall
Capital
1170-1180 (made)
1170-1180 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This capital represents the Creation of Eve and the Fall. It is made in ca. 1170-1180 in Northern Italy, probably Emilia. The provenance of the piece is unknown, but the closest parallels, both iconographically and stylistically, are with Emilian twelfth-century sculpture.
It is possible that this capital originally topped a pilaster-jamb to the right of a doorway: other capitals would have continued the story of Genesis. An unusual feature is that both figures are clothed.
It is possible that this capital originally topped a pilaster-jamb to the right of a doorway: other capitals would have continued the story of Genesis. An unusual feature is that both figures are clothed.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | The Creation of Eve and the Fall (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Limestone |
| Brief description | Capital, limestone, the Creation of Eve and the Fall, North Italy, probably Emilia, ca. 1170-1180 |
| Physical description | At the front of the capital, is the Creation of Eve: the standing figure of God, which would have appeared to the right, is missing. To the left, the naked figure of Eve stands alone, listening to the serpent, now missing. On the left side of the capital is the scene of Original Sin, where Eve (on the right) offers the forbidden fruit of Adam. The back and right side are uncarved. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Object history | Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh, F. S. A., 1953. The provenance of the piece is unknown, but the closest parallels, both iconographically and stylistically, are with Emilian twelfth-century sculpture. Historical significance: An unusual feature is that both figures are clothed. |
| Historical context | It is possible that this capital originally topped a pilaster-jamb to the right of a doorway: other capitals would have continued the story of Genesis. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This capital represents the Creation of Eve and the Fall. It is made in ca. 1170-1180 in Northern Italy, probably Emilia. The provenance of the piece is unknown, but the closest parallels, both iconographically and stylistically, are with Emilian twelfth-century sculpture. It is possible that this capital originally topped a pilaster-jamb to the right of a doorway: other capitals would have continued the story of Genesis. An unusual feature is that both figures are clothed. |
| Bibliographic reference | Williamson, Paul. Catalogue of Romanesque Sculpture. Victoria & Albert Museum, London 1983, pp. 54, 55 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.33-1953 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
