French, Angoulême
Capital, 1125-1135
Limestone, 35.6 x 45.7 x 33 cm (14 x 18 x 13 in.)
A carved limestone block is attached to the wall on one of its vertical faces, whereas its other three faces are visible and sculpted in detail. The top is wide and flat. Underneath, the block is supported by a pedestal made from another material. Each face is trapezoid shaped, with their top being wider than their bottom. The vertical front face, which is opposite to the wall, along with the lateral vertical faces to our left and right appear to be decorated with one, continuous scene. Carved into the stone are tangled thick vines woven in and out emanating from horns held by human-like figures situated at the corners edges of the block to our left and right. The figures have wide eyes and pointy hats. There is damage to the face of the figure on our right.
East, North, And West Cloister
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.