Capital, Maria Laach Abbey, Germany 1093

This capital from Maria Laach Abbey, Germany, a Romanesque artwork, presents a captivating array of carved figures. We see animalistic forms intertwined with foliage—a man with a lion’s face holding a scroll, a lion, and a creature resembling a rabbit. Consider how the motif of the bestial human has been passed down through history. The Egyptians depicted gods with animal heads, and the Greeks had their satyrs. In medieval art, these hybrid creatures often symbolize the duality of human nature, the struggle between reason and animal instincts. The lion, universally, speaks of courage and strength, yet here, it’s nestled amidst decorative vegetation, which symbolizes life and growth. The rabbit may indicate fertility, vulnerability, and fear. The subconscious appeal is powerful – we are confronted with primordial fears and desires. It is a testament to the enduring power of symbols to reflect our inner turmoil. These images invite us to acknowledge the continuous, cyclical evolution of symbols in the human experience.