Capital with the Temptation of Jesus

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.

Metropolitan Museum of Art