Master of Cabestany

The Master of Cabestany is the name given to an anonymous sculptor active in the second half of the 12th century. He was identified in the 1930s after the discovery of several pieces remarkable for their workmanship and their style; chief among these was the tympanum of the church in Cabestany, from which he received his name. Subsequent research confirmed the presence of his works in the departments of Aude and the Pyrénées-Orientales, as well as in northern Catalonia; examples of his art have also been seen in Tuscany and in Navarre.

The sculptor's work was first encountered in the 1930s with the discovery of a Romanesque-style tympanum, found during restoration work at the parish church of Cabestany. The high technical quality of the carving, combined with the originality of the theme drew the interest of scholars of medieval art, who began to compare the sculpture with other known works. They concluded that the carver was an as-yet unknown figure, dubbed the "Master of Cabestany", who was responsible for sculpting capitals, sarcophagi, and corbels that may still be seen in various religious structures.

In total, 121 sculptures have been attributed to the Master and to his studio. He has also been the subject of numerous studies, in subjects ranging from theology to history and art history.

The Master's sculptures share a peculiar style unlike that of most Romanesque sculptors. All of his human figures have low, triangular faces; crushed chins; high, deeply carved ears; almond-shaped eyes with trepanning holes at either end; hands with long, tapering fingers; many folds in the drapery; and a great deal of detailed work identifying the principal figures.

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