Glossary of Medieval Art and Architecture

historiated or figured capital: A capital which is decorated with figures of animals, birds, or humans, used either alone or combined with foliage. The figures need not have any meaning, although they may be symbolic or part of a narrative sequence. Historiated capitals were most commonly used in the Romanesque from the late eleventh to mid-twelfth centuries.

See also capital.
See also other types of capital

Click here for pronounciation.

Capital from Saint-Benôit-sur-Loire, France


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Created by Jane Vadnal 05/97