in Romanesque art, developing between 11th and 12th centuries, sculpture was mainly considered a decorative and structural addition to the architectural whole, as seen in many church facades enriched with reliefs. Monumental sculptures outside this conception were very rare.

Four stamps depicting sculptures of Romanesque art, developing between 11th and 12th centuries:

€ 1.10: Chair of Archbishop Elia (late 11th century) Bari, Basilica of San Nicola.
© 2018. De Agostini Picture Library/Scala, Florence.
Placed at the centre of the Basilica of San Nicola apse, this chair consists of a single monumental block. The abbot Elia is identified from the inscription placed around the side of the seat.

€ 1.15: Capital with angels. Det. of Ciborium. Bari, Basilica di S. Nicola.
©2018. Foto Scala, Firenze.
The Benedictine abbot Eustazio, successor of abbot Elia, continued the embellishment of the Basilica. In the Ciborium, a stone canopy above the high altar, the angels on the frontal capitals are of remarkable beauty and harmony.

€ 2.60: Equestrian statue (12th century). Ferrara, Museo della Cattedrale
©2018. De Agostini Picture Library/Scala, Florence.

€ 2.90: Wiligelmo: the prophet Ezekiel. Modena, Cathedral of San Geminiano.
Photo Mario Bonotto ©2018. Mario Bonotto/Photo Scala, Florence.
An integral part of the monumental complex, the basilica sculptures are the most significant evidence of the revival of monumental sculpture in Italy. In the central portal, inside the jambs, the twelve figures of the prophets are by Wiligelmo, the first sculptor to sign his works in Italy.