Nazareth Capitals
Type:
Capitals,
Sculptures
Date:
1180s
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Israel
Medium:
Limestone
Dimensions:
Approximate height of 60 cm
Description:
These five polygonal capitals were found buried at the site of the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, a church built following the 1102 conquest of Nazareth by Tancred, the Italo-Norman Prince of Galilee (r. 1099–1101). The capitals are rendered in intricate detail with smooth figures against rough backgrounds. The carved figures stand below micro-architectural canopies. One octagonal capital has scenes from the life of St. Peter, including one of his miracles, the resurrection of the disciple Tabitha.
An octagonal capital shows a meeting between Thomas and Christ (identifiable by the cross in his halo), surrounded by the other apostles. The so-called Doubting Thomas is a scene in which the skeptical apostle only believes Christ's resurrection after Christ displays his wounds to him. Thomas puts more faith in concrete, visual evidence.
The survival of the Nazareth Capitals and their state of preservation are remarkable. One possible explanation is that they were never installed, having been carved after an earthquake of 1170 but buried before Salah al-Din's troops took Nazareth in 1187.
An octagonal capital shows a meeting between Thomas and Christ (identifiable by the cross in his halo), surrounded by the other apostles. The so-called Doubting Thomas is a scene in which the skeptical apostle only believes Christ's resurrection after Christ displays his wounds to him. Thomas puts more faith in concrete, visual evidence.
The survival of the Nazareth Capitals and their state of preservation are remarkable. One possible explanation is that they were never installed, having been carved after an earthquake of 1170 but buried before Salah al-Din's troops took Nazareth in 1187.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
7,
8
Repository and Online Resources:
• The capitals are now in the Terra Sancta Museum in Nazareth.
• See additional photos and descriptions of the Nazareth Capitals.
Image Credits:
Terra Sancta Museum, Kathryn Smith
Tags:
Western Asian,
Christian,
Access to the sacred,
Bible,
War,
Mediterranean
