Once the eight monumental columns were in place. The Cathedral rose around them. Atop these columns came the addition of Pierre de Lens limestone capitals. From these capitals, sprung roman arches for the Chancel dome. Then, the carving of the Chancel capitals commenced.
Octagonal capitals were first sculpted in clay by a Mr. Post representing singing angels. This may have been George Browne Post, a prominent New York City architect. He was know for his decorative designs.
The carving took place after the capitals were in place. For reference, the carvers had the clay model with them.
Clamanzio Celestino Ardolino is believed to be the man in the famous opening image of this article carving the Chancel capitals. He and his brother Ermalindo Eduardo Ardolino along with their first cousins Rafael and Domenico did a lot of carving at the Cathedral. There will be more about the Ardolino’s in a later post.
■
- Images of capitals from the New York Public Library, Digital Collections
- Image of Clamanzio Celestino Ardolino from The Genealogy of Torre le Nocelle, Italy: The Ardolino Brothers – Working on an Angel.