Capital

The capital is divided into two halves by smooth, vertical strips on each side. They would have allowed it to fit seamlessly into a door or window frame. On one half of the capital two fluted cornucopias cross at their lower ends; there are three spherical fruits at each of their openings. The cornucopias frame a round form that has been badly damaged. We know from other capitals of this type that this was originally a theatre mask like the ones used in Greek theatre. These remained symbols of the arts into Roman times. On the corners of the capital are bulbous forms that were probably pine cones. The remaining surfaces underneath and above the cornucopias are filled with leaves. The other, subordinate, half of the capital has the structure of a simple composite capital with a rank of leaves, corner volutes and egg-and-dart moulding. With its theatre mask and cornucopias the capital clearly makes reference to the profane realm. It can thus be assumed that it decorated a secular building rather than a church.