Introduction. The Medieval Fold

A significant shift in the portrayal of human figures in twelfth-century Western European sculpture is highlighted, marking a transition from rigid, archetypal representations to more lifelike, individualized depictions. This evolution is evident when comparing works such as Eve's contemplative expression at Autun's Saint-Lazare Cathedral and Saint Benedict resuscitating an infant at Vézelay, with earlier, uniform figures like those on the lintel of Saint-Genis-des-Fontaines. The study underscores this transformation through a comparative analysis of sculptural and painted works, illustrating how artists began to capture physical singularity and emotional nuance, moving away from conventionalized forms.

Verderber, S. (2013). Introduction. The Medieval Fold, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137000989_1