ticketsMember | Make a donation

Capital with the Temptation of Jesus

ca. 1175–1200
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 304
Probably originating from a cloister arcade, this capital depicts the temptations of Jesus. The narrative order is not sequential: the Devil tempts Jesus to change stones into bread; the Devil tempts Jesus with the kingdoms of the world; the Devil carries Jesus on his back to the top of the Temple; the Devil tempts Jesus to cast himself from the top of the Temple. The naturalism of the capital’s forms, the antique character of the fluid drapery defining the anatomy of the figures, and the lively narrative quality of the presentation are all hallmarks of the emerging Gothic style.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Capital with the Temptation of Jesus
  • Date: ca. 1175–1200
  • Culture: North French
  • Medium: Limestone
  • Dimensions: Overall: 10 5/8 x 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 in. (27 x 29.8 x 29.8 cm)
    weight: 76lb. (34.5kg)
  • Classification: Sculpture-Stone
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1921
  • Object Number: 21.21.1
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Column Statue of a King, Limestone, French
Column Statue of a King
French
ca. 1150–60
Tomb Effigy Bust of Marie de France (1327-41), daughter of Charles IV of France and Jeanne d'Evreux, Jean de Liège Franco-Netherlandish, Marble with lead inlays, French
Tomb Effigy Bust of Marie de France (1327-41), daughter of Charles IV of France and Jeanne d'Evreux
Jean de Liège
ca. 1381
Impost Block with Acanthus Decoration, Limestone, French
Impost Block with Acanthus Decoration
French
12th century
Head of a King, Limestone, French
Head of a King
French
ca. 1150–75
Head of a King, Limestone, French
Head of a King
French
ca. 1230–35

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.