Column shaft. Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery

The authorship of this column shaft from the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery is attributed to the well-known and famous Master of Cabestany. This exceptional, partially-preserved work is a fragment that was on the main portal of the monastery which was, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular cultural attractions in the Catalan Romanesque style. Dating back to the 12th century, it is sculpted in marble, with various decorations ranging from plant motifs to animal motifs such as lions and birds. The portal gave access to the monastery’s main church and led directly to a galilee that was built later. Therefore the original portal was outside. It is currently on display in one of the Empordà Museum’s rooms.