Capital - Scrolling Foliage Issuing from Overturned Monster Heads

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This capital, originating from the Monastery of La Daurade, boasts a stunning bas-relief featuring lush foliage that bursts forth from upside-down monster heads. The Musée des Augustins' impressive collection of Romanesque sculpture is comprised primarily of remnants from Toulouse's three most influential religious buildings: the Monastery of La Daurade, the Collegiate Church of Saint Sernin and Saint Etienne Cathedral. Clerics responsible for maintaining these sacred sites chose to live in a community, which led to the construction of practical convent buildings surrounding large cloisters adorned with intricate or simple sculpture. As Toulouse's status as a powerful county and rapidly growing economic, political, and religious hub flourished during the 11th and 12th centuries, it found itself in an ideal environment for the emergence of an innovative art movement. The exceptional quality, diversity, and enduring nature of this movement solidify Toulouse's position among the leading centres of Romanesque art. Consequently, the works housed within the Musée des Augustins serve as pivotal milestones in the history of sculpture.