France (Autun, Burgundy)

Saint Peter Delivered from Prison / Saint Peter and Simon Magus Historiated Capital by Gislebertus from the Cathedral of Saint-Lazare

2189

1120–1135 CE; High Romanesque (12th Century)

A historiated capital depicting the apostolic narrative of Saint Peter delivered from prison: a nimbed figure touches Saint Peter who holds large architectural keys, while a dynamic flying angel descends with outstretched wings to effect deliverance. Lush highly stylized botanical foliage frames the background spaces between figures. Finely incised feather striations on the angel's wings and deep undercutting behind suspended limbs create powerful chiaroscuro contrasts.