Capital with the Massacre of the Innocents
Monastery of Santa María la Real, Aguilar de Campoo, Palencia, Spain.
Image source: Museo Arqueológico Nacional: Inventario 50177, imagen=4
Inventory: 50177
Generic Classification: Architectural Elements; Stone Materials
Object/Document: Capital
Material/Support: Sandstone
Technique: Sculpted
Dimensions: Thickness = 34 cm; Width = 64 cm; Height = 42 cm
Description: Double stone capital depicting the Massacre of the Innocents, taking place beneath a crenellated structure. A procession of soldiers wearing chain mail, helmets, and swords, seated on one of the longitudinal faces, prepares to carry out the order of infanticide decreed by Herod. One of the mothers, wearing a capiello, raises her hands to her face in a desperate gesture while another grasps the head of a decapitated infant. The war gear is broadly consistent with that used in the offensives of the Castilian armies against the Muslims in the second half of the 12th century, although the idea represented is in keeping with the rich chivalric attire available only to nobles and powerful knights.
Dating: 1101–1300 (12th–13th century)
Cultural Context/Style: Romanesque
Place of Origin: Monastery of Santa María la Real, Aguilar de Campoo (Aguilar (region), Palencia)
Specific Site: Monastery of Santa María la Real
Museo Arqueológico Nacional: Inventario 50177
