Visual poetics of the Cluny hemicycle capital inscriptions
Kirk Ambrose
Abstract The celebrated hemicycle capitals from the abbey church of Cluny III feature twelve leonine hexameters, albeit sometimes imperfect in meter, that no case identify their accompanying carved figures. These inscriptions are found on three eight four-sided to survive choir. Each verse juxtaposes a human figure, either surrounding mandorla or horizontal band bisects capital basket, thereby establishing quaternity. On two verses describe modes Gregorian chant and other refer spring, summer, aspects Prudence. While theme sacred music has widely been regarded as complementary secular musicians adorn first capitals, ‘Prudence’ have generally rejected because they do not seem correspond identities female Discoordinations between text image universally accepted by scholars instances, but construed problematic third.
Word & Image