Wiligelmo (also known asWiligelmus,Gulielmo da Modena,Cousin of Elmo orGuglielmo da Modena) was an Italiansculptor active between c. 1099 and 1120. He was among the earliest sculptors in Italy to produce large-format architecturalsculptures.[1]
Wiligelmo carved four relief panels on the west facade ofModena Cathedral (ca. 1110): two flank the central portal and two others sit above the side portals. They collectively depict scenes from theBook of Genesis, and originally formed a continuous frieze on each side of the central portal (they have since been relocated to their current positions).[1] Others have theorized that they were sculpted to adorn the entrance of the crypt.[2] The reliefs are made of marble and measure about one meter tall. These are considered to be revivals of ancientRoman relief sculptural traditions, and are prime examples ofRomanesque sculpture. Wiligelmo's name is known from anepigraph carved as a postscript to the Latin inscription over the foundation date on that facade: "Among sculptors, your work shines forth, Wiligelmo".[3]
One panel illustrates the story of Cain, Lamech, and Noah. This relief contains two separate stories, one of Lamech shooting Cain in the eye with an arrow, blinding him, and the other of Noah and his family on Noah’s Ark and then departing the Ark. Wiligelmo’s sculpting style depicts the people in a dramatic way by packing them tightly into the relief.[1] The sculpted people were inspired by Roman sculpture in the Constantinian era, as their feet and legs all tightly fit together and point in the same direction, as well as having densely proportioned bodies.[1] Another panel illustrates theCreation andTemptation of Adam and Eve.
