Images of Medieval Art and Architecture

France: Vézelay
Benedictine Abbey Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine

Nave: Historiated Capital 
Death of Absalom


Images

Click here for a screen sized image.

Click here for very large "ARCHIVE IMAGE."

Click here for a screen sized image.

Click here for very large "ARCHIVE IMAGE."


Subject Matter

 The subject is the Old Testament story of the death of Absalom, the son of King David. (II Samuel, 18:9-15)  Absalom, had lead a revolt against his father. While fleeing after a battle where he was defeated by his father's forces, he caught his hair in a tree branch. His horse continued on without him. Jaob found Absalom hanging form the tree and killed him.

On the left side of the capital, Joab stands under a tree. He has a mustache but is otherwise clean-shaven, and does not wear armor. One had holds his garment, while, in the other, he holds a sword with which he cuts off Absolam's head.

On the front face of the capital, Absalom hangs by his hair from a tree (at left) while his mount continues on without him. (at right). Absalom has very long hair, the front of which is twisted in the foliage of a tree whose trunk is in the center of the capital's face. Absolom's mount (a horse? A mule?) has an empty saddle and bridle as it proceeds on.

On the right hand side of the capital , one of Absolom's companions looks back on the scene.On the right side of the capital one of Absolom's companions looks back on the scene. He is also mounted on a horse or mule, which continues forward. The young man holds the reins in his left hand hand and raises the index finger of his right hand
 

 
Location within Floorplan Placement in Elevation

Salet: Number 53-

North side of nave. 
North side of fifth arcade pier. 


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Related Material

Click here to see other Vézelay capitals showing episodes from the Old Testament

Click here to see other medieval images of David


Bibliography

Salet, p. 187. 

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Created by J. Vadnal, September, 1998