Artwork
Original Sin, from the Chapter House in Sigena

Original Sin, from the Chapter House in Sigena is an unspecified painting by the Romanesque artist Master of the Sigena chapter house. It dates from 1200 and is held in the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. Created around the year 1200, this Romanesque panel originates from the chapter house of the monastery at Sigena.
About this work
Overview
Created around the year 1200, this Romanesque panel originates from the chapter house of the monastery at Sigena. Executed by the anonymous artist known as the Master of the Sigena chapter house, the work portrays a theological scene of the original sin and now belongs to the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a narrative of humanity’s first transgression. Three figures dominate the foreground: two robed individuals stand while a third, seated, wears a crown, suggesting a regal or divine presence. The solemn arrangement underscores the gravity of the sin and its consequences within medieval Christian thought.
Technique & Style
Rendered in the muted palette typical of early Romanesque art, the panel employs earthy browns and beiges. Intricate linear patterns adorn the robes and crown, reflecting the period’s emphasis on decorative detail. The background is a flat, uniform color, focusing attention on the figures and their symbolic gestures.
History & Provenance
Originally installed in the chapter house of Sigena, the painting remained in the monastic setting until it entered the public domain. It was later acquired by the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s Romanesque holdings.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Master of the Sigena chapter house
These four frescoes come from a 13th-century Spanish chapter house and show Bible stories in bold colors and stiff, symbolic figures.










