Blue Cathedral Door Poitiers
by Menega Sabidussi
Title
Blue Cathedral Door Poitiers
Artist
Menega Sabidussi
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
'Blue Cathedral Door Poitiers' - Photograph by Menega Sabidussi.
The blue church door and intricately carved stone entrance arch of the centre door of the west portal of Poitiers Cathedral, France.
The tympanum depicts the Last Judgment. Christ is represented displaying the stigmata, his garment slung over one shoulder, revealing a portion of his gaunt torso. The figure of Christ is flanked by two angels carrying instruments of the Passion, the Virgin, and Saint John. Kneeling at either corner of the triangular composition of the tympanum, two angels are depicting in a three-quarter pose, their cheeks full with breath intended for their trumpets, now missing. In the register below, we see two orderly rows of souls: one line is heading toward the angel at the left edge of this register, who extends a crown to the redeemed souls before heaven's gate; the second line is destined for the voracious Hellmouth at the right edge. As we have come to expect, Saint Michael is depicted in the center of this field, presiding over the division of souls; however, unlike some other interpretations of this theme, the Archangel is not shown in the process of weighing souls. In the lower lintel, we see an array of souls opening and emerging from their tombs. In the four archivolts surrounding the central tympanum, 72 voussoirs are populated with Old Testament figures, apostles, martyrs, and saints. (Description of the architectural details from 'Mapping Gothic France'.)
Construction of this medieval church began in 1162 by Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
----
This picture will print well up to a size of 36x27".
----
(C) Menega Sabidussi. All rights reserved.
http://menegaSabidussi.com http://sabidussi.at
Uploaded
March 17th, 2015
Statistics
Viewed 1,121 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 04/25/2024 at 7:40 PM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet