capital with Battle of Virtues and Vices

capital with Battle of Virtues and Vices , early 1100s

Where object was made: possibly Moissac or Toulouse, France

Material/technique: limestone; carving

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 39.4 x 40.7 x 30.1 cm
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 15 1/2 x 16 x 11 7/8 in

Credit line: Museum purchase

Accession number: 1957.0072

Not on display

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Images

Label texts

Empire of Things

Throughout parts of Western Europe, stone churches were erected in the 11th and 12th centuries to accommodate the growing number of priests, monks, and crowds of pilgrims who came to worship the relics of saints. Monumental sculptures covered church facades, doorways, and column capitals.

A fragment from this medieval building boom, this intricately carved capital depicts vigorous battles between demons and men. Covering all four sides, these images, possibly references to the torment of St. Anthony in the desert, served to educate and reinforce the Christian faith.