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| THE PORTAL OF ST. GILLES - In the Trocadero
collection of architectural casts, alcove 85, Art Palace , placed as is seen in the
engraving, was a large reproduction of the central portal and part of
the west front of the Abbatial Church of St. Gilles at Gard, France,
carved in stone in the twelfth century. The typanum is now partly
destroyed. It originally contained a central bas-relief surrounded
by the symbolical animals of the Evangelists. This facade and portal
secure a highly ornate effect through the treatment of long and short
columns and pilasters, the shorter pillars standing in pairs on
sculptured pedestals; the shorter pilasters separating panels or
niches where Apostles stand. In the arcade, at each side, are two
draped Apostles with halos, standing on lions that devour men and
animals. Above this work is the sculptured frieze, a laborious
design, with the money-changers fleeing from the temple on the left,
the resurrection of Lazarus, and the Saviour prophesying Peter's
denial; on the lintel is the last supper; to the right are Peter and
Malchus, the kiss of Judas, the Saviour before Pontius Pilate, and
the flagellation. This, in fine, is the history of the holy passion.
In the iconography of the Church, the people, who could not read,
here beheld the sacred recitals of the gospel. We may imagine how
joyously the masses gathered before this storied church, and studied
these holy sculptures. |
