Supper at Emmaus

As in the capital E10PP22, Christ is represented more than once in this capital. Illustrated here are the scenes from Luke’s Gospel describing Christ’s meeting with his disciples at Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35). The risen Lord appears as a pilgrim both on the south-east corner and on the opposite south-west corner, standing between the other pilgrims. Christ is shown with his pilgrim’s hat, satchel and staff, but is differentiated from the others by having a small cross inscribed on his hat and his satchel. A description of his appearance on the road to Emmaus can be found for example in the Officium Peregrinorum (Emmaus or pilgrim plays that were usually performed on Easter Monday).
In Luke’s Gospel we further read: “While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.” The identity of the Master was only revealed to them when, sitting at table with them, he took the bread and blessed it, and gave it to them: “And their eyes were opened and they recognized him.” Here, on the north side of the capital, Christ can be recognized by his central position and cruciform nimbus.
The table is set for a meal; we can recognize a jar among other things. The scene is framed by a trilobate arch, flanked by little crenellated corner turrets.
The fact that the capital is situated close to the chapter house and the entrance to the cloister from the street underlines the eucharistic character of the representation. Its iconography is also an example of hospitality.

Luke gospel hat Christ Emmaus disciple