Germany (Hildesheim)

Figural Capital with Christ in Mandorla Supported by Angels and Foliate Impost Block

2487

Created in the Early to High Romanesque period (circa 1010–1033 CE / late 12th-century secondary integration), reflecting the Ottonian architectural program under Bishop Bernward of Hildesheim alongside subsequent Romanesque stonecarving developments.

This image captures a composite column capital and sculpted impost block assembly. The lower section features a historiated bell capital displaying Christ enthroned within a circular mandorla, supported and flanked by flying angels and symbolic figures, while the upper block (impost) presents an intricate frieze of rhythmic, symmetrical foliate scrolls and palmettes. It is carved from fine-grained limestone or sandstone, executed using deep chisel cutting, drillwork (sottosquadro) for shadow definition, and high-relief modeling.