Capital, Le Puy Cathedral, France 1100

This Romanesque capital from the 12th century features a carved figure of a woman with her arms raised, possibly representing a biblical figure or a saint. This is a characteristic of the Romanesque style which flourished in Europe during this time period. It's notable for the realistic, expressive features and the simplified, yet detailed, drapery of the clothing. The capital is an example of the artistic vitality that characterized this era in architecture.