Loro Ciuffenna - Pieve di San Pietro a Gropina

The Pieve di San Pietro a Gropina is located on a hill in the hamlet Gropina, that meanwhile belongs to Loro Ciuffenna. A chapel existed here already in the 4th century.

Soon after Charlemagne had donated the area to the Nonantola Abbey, Benedictian monks erected a church here end of the 8th century. The church of today was probably built within the 12th century. At that time this was one of the wealthiest parish church with the diocese, having about 30 depending churches.

The nave is flanked by pillars, that all have sculpted capitals. The capitals of left and right side differ in style. Within some decades at least two workshops have worked here. Maybe even more.

This "Samson fighting the lion" is carved in much softer and smoother style than the other capitals (previous uploads). The capital is even "decorated" with tendrils. Samson has the legendary long hair, that was later cut off by his wife.

Some scholars attribute this to "Wiligelmo da Modena" (aka "Gulielmo da Modena", "Guglielmo da Modena") - or a workshop. Wiligelmo (active ~ 1099 - 1120) was a sculptor who was influenced by the Romanesque style of Southern France. I do see parallels...