France (Autun, Burgundy)

The Death of Cain Historiated Capital by Gislebertus from the Cathedral of Saint-Lazare

2183

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

A historiated capital wrapping dynamically around the block, divided by central stylized botanical motifs including an upright pinecone-like floral stalk and a blooming rosette. On the left, the wounded, collapsing figure of Cain pulls at an arrow piercing his neck; on the right, Lamech draws a composite bow aided by a smaller attendant. Profound undercutting behind the bow, figures' limbs, and layered foliage creates striking theatrical chiaroscuro.