Double Capitals from Saint-Pons-de-Thomières; Weighing of Souls / Damned in the Mouth of Hell / Luxuria (Lust)
Date: mid-12th and early 13th century
Dimensions:
Plinth to keystone: 112 5/8 in. (286.1 cm);
Plinth to spring of arch: 88 in. (223.5 cm);
Between columns (on centers): 63 1/4 in. (160.7 cm)
Medium: marble
Place of Origin: Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Classification: Architectural Elements
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1929.208
Label Text:The capitals on the left depict scenes from the Old Testament and important episodes associated with the life of Saint Pontius (Pons in French), patron saint of the monastery of Saint-Pons-de-Thomières (TOM-ee-yair). Born in 3rd-century Rome, Pontius converted to Christianity at a time when several Roman emperors violently persecuted Christians. Pontius traveled as a missionary to the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis (today part of southern France), where he established a church and set about converting local people to Christianity.
The Roman governor of the Gauls, Claudius, had Pontius arrested and tortured in various ways for refusing to worship pagan idols and affirming his Christian faith. On one capital, we see Claudius raising his hand to order that Pontius be thrown to two bears. Instead of attacking, however, the bears lick his feet. Finally, the governor orders his beheading, as seen directly to the left. The devotional cult surrounding Saint Pontius included much of Catalonia (today in northeast Spain) and southern France, with Saint-Pons-de-Thomières serving as an important center of the cult.
The Roman governor of the Gauls, Claudius, had Pontius arrested and tortured in various ways for refusing to worship pagan idols and affirming his Christian faith. On one capital, we see Claudius raising his hand to order that Pontius be thrown to two bears. Instead of attacking, however, the bears lick his feet. Finally, the governor orders his beheading, as seen directly to the left. The devotional cult surrounding Saint Pontius included much of Catalonia (today in northeast Spain) and southern France, with Saint-Pons-de-Thomières serving as an important center of the cult.
DescriptionThe Last Judgment: Weighing of Souls;
reverse: Hell.
reverse: Hell.
On view
In Collection(s)