Wiligelmo, Genesis, the Expulsion and the Work (1100)

Stone, h. 100 cm
Modena, Façade of the Duomo

This work sculpted around 1100 is important to understand some characteristics of the Romanesque art. First of all, Wiligelmo reached levels of realism never seen before: we can think that he looked at classical works. It is enough to look at the drapery of the characters but also to the realism of the proportions. Moreover, here is evident the rhytmic scansion: it means that the characters are all on the same level, one after one, each one with the same height. And all them have a great expressiveness: it is sufficient to look at the faces of Adam and Eve or at the peremptory gesture of God while He blames them.
The composition presents three scenes on the same level: on the left, the blame of God against the Forefathers; in the centre, the Expulsion, with the angel who make Adam and Eve go out from the Garden; on the left, Adam and Eve hoeing around a tree, representation of the work which is the punishment given by God to the Forefathers for their disobedience.

A project by
Federico Giannini

Museo Ugo Guidi
(Forte dei Marmi)

Associazione Amici
del Museo Ugo Guidi
Onlus


Humanities
Computing

University of Pisa