Capital with the Adoration of the Magi
1110/30
Medium
Limestone
Dimensions
34.9 × 56.5 cm (13 5/8 × 22 1/4 in.)
Classification
architectural sculpture
Department
Painting and Sculpture of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
50921
Art Historical Context
This exquisite limestone capital, carved in Spain around 11101130, once crowned a column in a Romanesque church or cloister, serving both structural and devotional purposes. Measuring 34.9 × 56.5 cm, it exemplifies the architectural sculpture of medieval Europe, where capitals like this one transformed utilitarian stone into vibrant storytelling devices. Housed in the Art Institute Chicago's Department of Painting and Sculpture of Europe, it captures the Adoration of the Magi—a Nativity scene from the Gospel of Matthew, depicting the three wise men presenting gifts to the Christ Child. Romane...