Description
The tympanum of the south portal between the narthex and the nave contains scenes from the Infancy of Jesus. The upper register of the shows the Adoration of the Magi (Matthew II, 1-12). The Virgin sits in the center, holding the Christ Child, while the Magi and their servants stand on either side of her.
On the left side of the Virgin stand two figures. To the extreme left is a figure who appears to have bare legs. Salet suggests that this on one of the servants of the Magi. Standing between this figure and the Virgin is a slightly larger figure of one of the Magi. He wears a pointed cap and holds a covered jar in his right hand.
The Virgin Mary is seated at the center of the scene, looking directly out at the viewer. She is the largest figure in the scene. Behind her head are traces of a halo with a patterned border. She is seated in a hair (throne?) with curved armrests which rests on a low platform. On her lap, the Christ Child (head broken off) turns and accepts a gift from the Magi to the viewer's right.
On the right side of the Virgin are three figures. The Magi immediately to the right of the Virgin (kneeling?) wears an elaborate headdress and holds a round object out to the Christ Child. Behind him is another figure holding a large round object. To the right is a shorter figure wearing a short garment with an elaborate pattern with a cloak over it. He holds a square object in his hand which he supports with his other- the supporting hand is swathed in the cloak.
In the extreme right corner are the small figures of the horses of the Magi. Though the figures are damaged, it is possible to see the saddle and bridle of the horse nearest the viewer.
Other search terms: New Testament, Gospel.
