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Arms and Armour in the Carved Column Capitals in the Cloister of Monreale Cathedral near Palermo in Sicily, 1174 to 1182 AD
Warriors Fighting Mythical Beasts
This double capital spans two columns in the cloister of Monreale Cathedral near Palermo, Sicily. It is decorated with relief carving showing a scene of men fighting mythical beasts with swords. On the left column the central figure appears to be stabbing a large dog-like creature with a sword, while on the right column the central figure is using a dagger to kill a serpent - while another serpent is swallowing a smaller lizard-like animal.
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.
Photo by d0gwalker
