West Portal Tympanum: Christ in Majesty
The face of Christ on the central tympanum. Enthroned within a mandorla, Christ raises his right hand in blessing and holds the Book of Life in his left. This image of Christ is unique in cathedral sculpture and seems to equally embody his divine and human natures. Detail of the west portal (c.1150), also known as the Royal Portal, whose celebrated sculptures show the transition from Romanesque to Gothic. Chartres Cathedral, France.