The musician animals of Beaune

The musician animals of the Basilica of Notre-Dame in Beaune

Built mainly in the 12th and 13th centuries, this basilica stands in the historic centre of Beaune, in Burgundy. Originally built as a collegiate church, it reflects the architectural evolution of the Middle Ages, combining Romanesque elements in the nave with Gothic additions in the choir.

The church is particularly known for its series of 15th-century tapestries illustrating scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. These works, in wool and silk, are in a remarkable state of preservation and are one of the main attractions of the building.

The basilica's bell tower, typical of the region, and the carved capitals inside reflect the skill of the craftsmen of the time.

A capital 8 metres high depicting musician animals: a goat playing a harp or a rote, with another, chimeric animal. The latter has the body of a horse with a mane and a long-haired tail, and clawed front and hind legs. Its pricked ears and curled-back lips suggest a wolf, whose muzzle ends in a snout. This strange animal plays a five-holed syrinx, at the end of which a bore is shown, threaded with a strap to which a bell is attached.

Location: corner capital inside the basilica, just at the entrance, above the right-hand entrance door.

Digitisation: this capital was digitised on Wednesday 20 November 2024 during operation GALATÉE 210, devoted to the inventory of the musical iconography in the sculptural ensemble of the Basilica of Notre-Dame in Beaune. We wish to thank Father Garnier for his welcome.