Madeleine Vezelay Portico. Francia. 18 x 5 x 18 cm.

Description

Model of the Portico of the Madeleine de Vezelay, made of marble reconstituted with resin.

Size: 18 x 5 x 18 cm.

Portico of the abbey of Sainte Madeleine, Vezelay, France. Among the many Romanesque buildings preserved in Burgundy, the ancient abbey of Vézelay, whose historical origins date back to the 9th century, stands out. A monastery grew up there under the rule of Cluny, which gradually renovated its outbuildings throughout the 11th and 12th centuries. Of its magnificent church, the western portico stands out, one of the most beautiful examples of Romanesque art, built around 1120-1130.

The tympanum of the central doorway depicts the Mission of the Apostles sent by Jesus Christ to preach the Gospel to the different peoples of the world, who are represented in rectangular compartments. The outer archivolt depicts the signs of the zodiac and the representation of the months.  The decoration is completed by various scenes from the pagan world carved on the lintel.