Reliefs on pier 3

The Gothic fa�ade of the Orvieto Cathedral is one of the great masterpieces of the Late Middle Ages. The bas-reliefs on the piers depict biblical stories from the Old and New Testament. They are considered among the most famous of all 14th-century sculpture.

The contract of 1310 did allow Maitani to retain some assistants for the sculptural work on the fa�ade, but it seems likely that these craftsmen had already begun the work under the supervision of an earlier master. The reliefs on pier 2 and pier 3 are by these craftsmen.

The reliefs on pier 3 depict scenes from the New Testament (episodes from the lives of Jesus and Mary). The scenes, described in ten panels, are divided by an acanthus.

1st panel (from below upwards and from left to right):

The sleeping Abraham is surrounded by eleven personages, probably prophets.

2nd panel:

Other personages, perhaps prophets with scroll ornaments.

3rd panel:

Annunciation of the Virgin and visit to St. Elizabeth.

4th panel:

Birth of Jesus and adoration of the Magi.

5th panel:

Presentation in the Temple and flight into Egypt.

6th panel:

The slaughter of the innocents and Jesus among the Doctors.

7th panel:

The Baptism of Jesus and temptation in the desert.

8th panel:

Jesus enters Jerusalem. Jesus is arrested in the garden of Gethsemane.

9th panel:

The Scourging of Jesus; the Crucifixion.

10th panel:

The pious women at the Sepulchre. The Angel, sitting on the sarcophagus, announces the resurrection of Jesus.