Images of Medieval Art and Architecture

France: Vézelay
Benedictine Abbey Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine

Nave: Historiated Capital
Sacrifices of Cain and Abel


Images

Click here for a screen sized image.
Click here for a large "Archive Version"


Subject Matter

Old Testament Theme: Sacrifices of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:2-6)

To the left is the bearded figure of Abel offering a lamb to God with both hands. To the right, a beardless Cain offers a sheaf of wheat in his right hand while his left hand is on his hip. Above his head is a vine with grapes. At the top center, God's hand is extended from the clouds to accept Abel's offering- The hand of God has the index and middle figure extended (a gesture of blessing?) Foliate pilaster to each side of the capital


Location within Floorplan Placement in Elevation

Salet: Number 94

Upper clerestory of vessel of nave. North side.
Center


Related Material

Click here to see other Vézelay capitals with episodes from the Old Testament.

Click here for other medieval depictions of the story of Cain and Abel


Bibliography

Salet, p. 192.


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Created by J. Vadnal, October, 1998