Reliefs on pier 4

The four piers on the fa�ade of the Orvieto Cathedral are covered with delicate and fine low-reliefs, made by artists, whose identity is not absolutely certain. The best reliefs are usually attributed to Maitani.

The picture shows the reliefs on the fourth pier. On five orders are sculptured the scenes of the Resurrection of the bodies, the Last Judgment, Paradise and Hell. The branches of a vine divide the various stories.

1st and 2d panels:

The Resurrection of the bodies. Hell. An angel drives the damned away with his sword; Satan in the centre, with his head crowned with snakes and hands tied by the tails of two dragons treads upon the damned. Above, there is sculptured the descent of the souls to hell.

3d panel:

Angels lead the chosen people to Paradise.

4th panel:

The Saints.

5th panel:

Christ the Judge.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 8 minutes):

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Requiem K 626: Dies irae