Pillar Of Judgment in Strasbourg Cathedral France

Strasbourg Cathedral is unique in its own way. The first conspicuous factor of its uniqueness is its single tower, also called the Angel Pillar or Court Pillar. Tourists crowded around Pillar Of Judgment in Strasbourg Cathedral.

During the French Revolution, some anti-religious leaders had conspired to destroy it. But it was unharmed miraculously or rather by sheer brilliance of a local locksmith. A huge Phrygian cap made of metal was made to cover the tower.

The cathedral was undamaged during the bombings of 1870 and 1944. Isn’t it amazing the level of engineering skills that existed then! No wonder why this cathedral is the second most visited cathedral in France!

Sharing the pictures of Pillar Of Judgment in Strasbourg Cathedral also called Pillar of Angels here. This was a unique one I saw in the cathedral, not sure if something like this is there in any other cathedral (at least I have not seen one).

Lower Zone – The first level has evangelists. In the lower sculptural zone of the pillar you can see the four evangelists, Luke, Matthew, Mark and John with banners. Each sculpture has a banner, stands on a console, and shows the evangelist symbols.

Middle Zone – The second zone of the pillar shows four trumpet angels crowned with a nimbus and holding their instruments directed towards the ground. These trumpet angels, also called judgement angels, incline their heads in the four directions. They proclaim God’s judgment in the four directions.

Strasbourg Cathedral France

Trumpet angel – Everything is ready for the Judgment Day!

Obere Zone – This top level has three angel sculptures and one Christ sculpture. Each of the angels carry an instrument of torture that contributed to Christ’s death with them, a cross and a nail, a crown of thorns and a lance. Christ is shown seated as the enthroned judge of the world. This sculpture was completely painted but now the faded version remains.  His robe was gold and the insides were crimson. The throne and the seat cushion were also painted in bright colors. The dead arise from their tombs announcing the resurrection of the whole humanity.

Other things to note and photograph are the Great Rose Window and the Astronomical Clock. Do check: Interior of Strasbourg Cathedral

The Last Judgment is a major theme on Gothic church portals. The portals of Chartres (tympanum of the central south portal, around 1210) and Amiens (main portal, between 1220/1230) are the most important examples.

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