Gislebertus and the Burgundian Romanesque Sculpture of Saint-Lazare, Autun (c. 1125–1135 CE)

Between 1125 and 1135, the French sculptor Gislebertus led a remarkably homogeneous group of sculptors in creating the figural capitals and portal sculpture for the Cathedral of Saint-Lazare in Autun, Burgundy. His work represents the culmination of Burgundian Romanesque sculpture, distinguished by its delicate linearity, elongated figures, and dynamic drapery forms.

The Burgundian Romanesque Style

Gislebertus and his workshop developed a highly expressive and dramatic sculptural style, characterized by:

• Exaggerated elongation of human figures, heightening their spiritual intensity.
• Intricate, fluttering drapery edges, which enhance movement and emotion.
• Deep relief carving, emphasizing the contrast between light and shadow, creating a striking visual impact.
• Linear and delicate detailing, lending a refined elegance to otherwise robust Romanesque forms.

The Last Judgment Tympanum: A Masterpiece of Medieval Sculpture

The tympanum over the west entrance of Saint-Lazare Cathedral is Gislebertus’s most famous work. It depicts a high-relief composition of the Last Judgment, divided into:

• The left side (Christ’s right hand): Heaven and the Saved, where the righteous are received into eternal bliss.
• The right side (Christ’s left hand): Hell and the Damned, where grotesque demons drag sinners into torment, featuring some of the most vividly horrifying medieval imagery.
• The central figure of Christ, portrayed as a commanding, elongated figure, presides over the judgment with grace and power.
• The lintel beneath the tympanum, illustrating the raising of the dead, where souls awaken to their final fate.

Notably, the tympanum bears an inscription crediting Gislebertus:

“Gislebertus hoc fecit” (Gislebertus made this), an unusual signature for medieval sculptors, who were typically anonymous.

The Figural Capitals: A Sculpted Narrative

Inside the cathedral, the sculpted capitals continue the highly expressive Romanesque tradition, depicting:

• Scenes from the Bible, including the Temptation of Eve, the Dream of the Magi, and Christ’s Passion.
• The lives of saints, reinforcing the cathedral’s role as a pilgrimage center dedicated to Saint Lazarus.

Legacy and Influence

• Gislebertus’s work at Autun is considered a masterpiece of medieval sculpture, influencing Romanesque and early Gothic art.
• His expressive, highly dramatic figures foreshadow the emotional intensity of later Gothic sculpture.
• The Last Judgment at Autun remains one of the most haunting and powerful depictions of medieval eschatology, reflecting the intense spirituality of the time.

Gislebertus’s work at Saint-Lazare Cathedral stands as a testament to the artistic ambition of Romanesque sculptors, blending narrative, theological depth, and visual grandeur into a monumental expression of medieval faith.