Capital with the Temptation of Jesus. Culture: North French. Dimensions: Overall: 10 5/8 x 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 in. (27 x 29.8 x 29.8 cm)
weight: 76lb. (34.5kg). Date: ca. 1175-1200.
Probably originating from a cloister arcade, this capital depicts the temptations of Jesus. The narrative order is not sequential: the Devil tempts Jesus to change stones into bread; the Devil tempts Jesus with the kingdoms of the world; the Devil carries Jesus on his back to the top of the Temple; the Devil tempts Jesus to cast himself from the top of the Temple. The naturalism of the capital's forms, the antique character of the fluid drapery defining the anatomy of the figures, and the lively narrative quality of the presentation are all hallmarks of the emerging Gothic style.