Reliefs on pier 4: Scene 2 (detail)

The reliefs on the fourth pier contains reliefs of the highest sculptural quality. In the scenes depicting the Damned and Hell anatomical details of the naked human body are shown that until then had scarcely been seen in post-classical European sculpture.

The picture shows a detail of the depiction of Hell on the fourth pier. The rib cage, for example arches up over a belly, here presented as a fully integrated part of the body. And the ribs themselves, standing out sufficiently to be counted, form anatomically correct components of the body. Legs are fully articulated, the knees are reproduced with anatomical precision, and sinews hold together limbs that arteries supply with blood and muscles move.