Building Name

:

Le Puy, Musée Crozatier  

Location

:

Steeple

Capital

:

1

Subject

:

Cardinal Virtues

Description

:

Capital from the pyramidal steeple of the cathedral Height of letters = 3.5 cm. A cardinal virtue (with helmet and armor) is portrayed on each face. The figures are nimbed. Probable date: 12th century

Reference

:

The Virtues are depicted carrying a breastplate, arms and shields, inspired by St. Paul: Propterea accipite armaturam Dei… State ego succincti lumbos vestros in veritate et induti loricam justiciae et calceati pedes in praeparatione evagelili pacis; in omnibus sumentes scutum fidei... Et galeam adsumite et gladium spiritus, quod est verbum Dei (Ephesians 6, 13-17). Therefore take unto you the armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand in all things perfect. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of justice, 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace: 16 In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one. 17 And take unto you the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God).

Corpus Ref.

:

vol. 18, Allier, Cantal, Loire, Haute-Loire, Puy-de-Dôme, 134-135