Description
Saint Martin of Tours and the Pagans' Sacred Tree
At the center of the front on the capital is a tree with arching branches and foliage. To the right of the stands a barefoot figure wearing a short garment and holding an upraised ax, At right is a tonsured figure wearing a chasuble and carrying a crosier. He gestures toward the figure holding the ax- pointing upwards with his index and middle fingers (in admonition? Making the sign of the Cross?)
On the left side of the capital are two figures gesturing toward the main scene. Both have long hair, wear a cloak-like garment over a short tunic, and carry a large, round, flat object. The one of the right wears a round cap-like headdress with a decorated border. He turns his head back to look at his companion and points toward the central scene with his left hand. Some scholars have suggested that this is the Chief Priest of the pagans.
Most scholars identify this scene as Saint Martin of Tours and the Pagans' Sacred Tree. Martin, and early bishop in Gaul, pulled down many pagan temples and sacred trees. In one instance, the pagan offered to cut down the tree themselves if Martin would stand under the place where it would fall. As it was about to fall on him, he made the sign of the cross, and the tree fell in the other direction.
Salet: Number 27
Location: South side of nave. East side of fifth arcade pier from the west.
