Stories in Central Door of Amiens Cathedral France
It is really difficult to overcome the mesmerizing effect of the small sculpted statures on the arch of central door of Amiens Cathedral in France. I had posted a couple of pictures of Amiens Cathedral some time back.
The door has such fantastic details that I wanted to dedicate short photo essay on the main door of the cathedral. Here I have a photo essay on the main portal, the central one and biggest of the three. It has a fine display of sculptures around it.
Central Door of Amiens Cathedral
Uniqueness of Amiens Cathedral lies in the sculptures on the door arch. Angels sculpted in series go up the arch both ways.
Do read: Amiens Cathedral Largest in France
Facade of Amiens Cathedral
The western facade has 3 doors, arches of each of them infused with sculptures of angels.
Why cathedrals have three doors?
Cathedrals and many other churches often have three main doors. It is interesting to know that there is symbolic and historical significance to this architectural feature. The three doors are typically referred to as the “triple portal” or “western portal,” and they serve several purposes:
The number three holds significant theological symbolism in Christianity. It represents the Holy Trinity—God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. The three doors symbolize the spiritual journey of a worshipper. The central door represents the path to salvation, the side doors may symbolize the stages of a Christian’s spiritual life.
Historically, the central door was often the largest and widest, allowing for processions and large congregations to enter and exit the church during religious ceremonies and events. While the side doors, being smaller, could be used for more everyday entrances and exits.
Iconography: The decorative elements around the portals often feature intricate sculptures and reliefs depicting scenes from the Bible, saints, and religious symbolism. The triple portal provides ample space for this artistic expression and serves as a teaching tool to convey religious stories and messages.
From an architectural perspective, the three doors create a sense of balance and symmetry in the facade of the cathedral. They contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the building.
Three doors of Amiens Cathedral
Stories in Door of Amiens Cathedral
I dug out some info about these sculptures, very interesting, sharing them here with pictures. Christ on his throne, with raised hands and a bare torso in order to show his injuries.
He is surrounded by the Virgin and Saint John who are kneeling and intercede on behalf of the salvation of the soul and angels carrying the Instruments of the Passion.
The elected are separated from the fully naked damned that are pushed by demons towards the jaw of a monster, the Leviathan. The resurrected leave their graves at the sound of the trumpet.
Standing in the middle, the archangel Saint Michael weighs the souls with his scales. At the bottom of the scene, a demon attempts to cheat by leaning on one of the pans on his side.
Fortunately the cathedral didn’t get damaged much during the two world wars. In 1981 Amiens Cathedral of France got UNESCO World Heritage status.
Stories in Door of Amiens Cathedral
Multi Colored Facade in Middle Ages
Wiki mentions:
During the process of laser cleaning in the 1990s, it was discovered that the western facade of the cathedral was originally painted in multiple colors.
A technique was perfected to determine the exact make-up of the colors as they were applied in the 13th century. Then, in conjunction with the laboratories of EDF (Electricity of France) and the expertise of the Society Skertzo, elaborate lighting techniques were developed to project these colors directly on the facade with precision, recreating the poly-chromatic appearance of the 13th century.
Angels sculpted on door arch
When projected on the statues around the portals, the result is a stunning display that brings the figures to life. The projected colors are faint to photograph, but a good quality DSLR will provide excellent results as shown here.” See this picture below.
A free sound and lighting show is held at the end of the year and in summertime on the parvis of Amiens Cathedral, revealing what the colored facade of the cathedral looked like in the Middle Ages.
Imagine the whole facade of Amiens Cathedral colored thus! It would be beyond magnificent.
You will like these DOORS of Europe
- Doors of Hope Salzburg Cathedral Austria
- Central Door of Cathedral of Antwerp Belgium
- Doors of Reims Cathedral France
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Amazing sculptures with so much of intricate work!! Awesome! 🙂
Wow! Beautiful details and great photos!
Very interesting information and great shots!
Would love to visit it some day!
Thanks for sharing.
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Hope you are having a nice week****
Amazing details, Indrani! I enjoy going along on your wonderful trips. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week ahead!
Such incredible detail. I so enjoy the places you go and the wonders you see and photograph.
Beautiful series of photos!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Love those sculptures .
What fabulous details!
Beautiful details! I love that in old architecture photography.
Fantastic photography of Amiens ~ such an amazing place ~
(A Creative Harbor) ^_^ aka ArtMuseDog and Carol
Oh my….gorgeous!! The details and workmanship…awe-inspiring!
Hugs
SueAnn
Beautiful sculptures.
What a beautiful cathedral definitely one I must visit.
Very grand sculptural work.
Fascinatingly beautiful!
Your photos could be in a book!
Wishing YOU
an Aloha-filled week, from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
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Marvelous photos Indrani!!!
fantastic !
incredibly detailed and impressive!
What an awesome cathedral! The detail is amazing and your captures are superb as always! Fascinating history as well! Thank you, Indrani, as always, for sharing the beauty and the information. Have a great week!
Very good photo's, i like the details very much Indrani.
Greetings, Joop