ROMANESQUE CAPITALS FROM KREŠEVO (BOSNIA)

Four Romanesque capitals, found in the ruins of the old Franciscan church at Kreševo are dealt with in the article. The origin of the capitals is unknown, but they were most probably brought at the time when the church was restored (1854-1855) after the great fire in 1765. There was an 18th century legend at Kreševo, however, that once an old important church existed, and the mentioned capitals now confirm that legend. Although differently ornamented, the capitals have still a similar conception of ornaments. By comparing a series of capitals in Europe with the Kreševo ones, the author concludes that Kreševo capitals, owing to their stylistic purity and elaborate execution, could be dated between the mid-11th and the early part of the 13th century. Owing to the periphereal position of Bosnia, however, a later date may also come into consideration. The Kreševo master’s art has common roots with the Central European workshops, particularly – stresses the author – with Bavaria and Württenberg