MANUEL COHEN/AURIMAGES
66 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019Narrative sculpture is a common characteristic
of the Romanesque style and can often be found
on the facades of different churches. Santiago’s
Portico of Glory shows an ornate depiction of the
Last Judgment. Stunning examples can also be
seen on the Romanesque Church of Sainte-Foy,
Conques, in southern France. The sculpted tym-
panum set into an archway (opposite) depicts
the Last Judgment. The use of reliefs came about
in response to a new initiative to employ imagesSAINTE-FOY, CONQUES:
POWER OF PICTURES
in instruction. For this reason, the sculptures are
sometimes exaggerated in their proportions,
since their purpose is to convey moral messag-
es from a distance. Figures, such as the Gospel
writers, would be represented in clearly identifi-
able forms: Matthew as an angel, Mark as a lion,
Luke as an ox, and John as an eagle. Iconography
would have been familiar to the faithful who could
interpret the imagery much like a literate person
would read a Bible.REMINDER
IN STONE
The tympanum
on Sainte-Foy
(right) shows the
complexity of the
Last Judgment. A
detail (below) shows
Judas being hanged
by a demon as
punishment in hell.