User:Jimbelton/Modena Archivolt

= Original: The Modena Archivolt =

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In 1099 CE, construction began on a cathedral in Modena, Italy. The archivolt of the north portal is carved marble. The carving was likely completed before the cathedral's consecration in 1106.

At the top, there is a castle, defended by two towers. Within the castle, there are two figures upon the walls. The left tower is defended by a figure wielding a pick. He faces three horsemen. The right tower is defended by a figure on horseback, armed with a lance, who faces three more horsemen.

The two figures within the castle are labeled Mardoc and Winlogee. On the left, the defender is Burmaltus, and he faces Artus de Bretania, Isdernus and an unnamed knight. On the right, the knight Carado defends the castle against Galvagin, Galvariun and Che.

Artus de Bretainia is a latinization of the name Arthur of Britain. On the other side of the vault, Galvagin, the only knight with a decorated shield, likely corresponds to Gawain, who is the hero of many of the early romances. In the Vulgate Lancelot, one part of the Vulgate Cycle, Arthur, Galeschin and Kei attack the Carado of the Dolorous Tower. Galvarian and Che on the archivolt correspond to Galeschin and Kei in the romances.

Isdernus is the only rider without a helm or lance. In Durmant le Galois, Guinevere is abducted. In this story, Ydier, like Isdernus, rides unarmed. Finally, Winlogee is a form of the Breton name Wenlowen, and in De Ortu Walwainii, Guinevere is called Guendoleona.

The carving on the Modena archivolt shows a scene from an Arthurian romance that predates most of the romances that have survived. It appears to depict the rescue of Guinevere by Arthur and his knights.