Gislebertus and the story of the three Magi

Detail from a carved capital from the Cathedral of St Lazare at Autun

The Cathedral of St Lazare at Autun sets itself apart from other early 12th Century Romanesque churches primarily because of the extraordinary sculpture and reliefs carved on the capitals and tympanum over the west door. This decorative work was carried out between 1125 and 1135. In a margin bar of the tympanum below the feet of the carved image of Christ enthroned at the last judgment a very public and unique Latin inscription has been carved: "GISLEBERTVS hOC FECiT" , which translated means Gislebertus made this.

This inscription, often interpreted in modern terms as a signature, is the basis for one of the most enduring mysteries in the history of art. Sculpture executed at the Abbey of Cluny and at the Cathedral at Vezelay has been linked stylistically to the carvings executed at Autun. If we are to believe it is a signature of sorts, the obvious assumption is that the reliefs at the Cathedral at Autun are the work of a highly celebrated artist and sculptor. Assumptions are at their weakest especially when there is little or no evidence to support them, and questions remain unanswered. Who was Gislebertus? A monk or an enlightened artist, or both. Was Gislebertus the sculptor responsible for these sculptures and in particular the carvings at Autun? Was Gislebertus a patron of the church or a nobleman who commissioned works such as this? Is the inscription contemporary with the production of the tympanum panel? Was the inscription executed by Gislebertus himself? Would a mere artisan sculptor have been allowed to carve an inscription in such a prominent and visible place?

In the last 150 years a number of scholarly works have attempted to tease out theories based upon a combination of assessments and examinations of the social history and orders of Burgundy during the 12th Century, nomenclature, and stylistic comparisons and interpretations. Unfortunately, time has eroded the flesh, blood and memory of Gislebertus, and the inscription remains the only relic of his existence. Ironically, down through the years the Cathedral of St Lazare at Autun is noted for a number of famous relics of celebrated saints which were at first undisputed and then disputed.

It is conceivable that the mystery of Gislebertus will never be solved, but the carvings remain as a group and individually, some of the most outstanding and imaginative interpretations of biblical scenes from the entire medieval era. As we approach the 6th January I set out below images of the carved capitals depicting the story of the Magi.

Angel appearing to the three Magi and the star above their heads

The Magi summoned before Herod

The adoration of the Magi

The flight into Egypt