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double column capital in Monreale cloister

This is a double capital spanning two adjacent columns within the cloister of the Cathedral of Monreale near Palermo, Sicily. Its high relief carving depicts, perhaps, the Death of the Virgin.

 

Monreale is a Norman cathedral, begun in 1174 by William II of Sicily. The cloister was completed in about 1200 and is famous for the decorative patterned geometrical carving ('diaper work') and the mosaics on its columns, as well as the high relief sculptures on its column capitals which include Biblical scenes, foliage and allegories.

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Uploaded on July 21, 2010
Taken on June 13, 2006