France (Autun, Burgundy)

The Temptation of Christ Historiated Capital by Gislebertus from the Cathedral of Saint-Lazare

2190

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

A historiated capital depicting the New Testament Temptation of Christ: on the left a grotesque horned winged demon with grimacing facial features and a scaly tail reaches out to present stones or bread to Christ, who stands calmly on the right accompanied by a winged angel pointing upward. Deeply carved botanical foliage fills the central background. The demon's detailed hair spikes, textured wings, and profound undercutting create intense theatrical chiaroscuro contrasts.