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Basilica of St. Andoche, Saulieu

Capital: Balaam
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Capital: Balaam

Capital on the second pier from the west in the north arcade, depicting the story of Balaam from the Book of Numbers. This capital shows Balaam on his ass, wearing a medieval riding cloak and carrying a tau staff. Both Balaam and the donkey look in astonishment towards the right face of the capital, where an angel standing on city walls holds up a sword, blocking the way. Between the angel's wings is a star, representing Balaam's prophecy: "I see a star that rises out of Jacob, a stem that springs from Israel's root." (Numbers 24:17). In Christian interpretation, this prophecy refers to Christ.

27/05/08 14:44
Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
xti_9800.JPG


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