photo 51 of 186
Conques Abbey: Weighing of Souls; Gates of Heaven and Hell

Weighing of Souls; Gates of Heaven and Hell

Detail of the Last Judgment Tympanum (1107-1125) over the west door. Depicted in the upper level is the weighing of souls by St. Michael the Archangel, with interference by the Devil (the scales are missing), flanked by the resurrection of the righteous and some punishments of the damned. The lower level shows the gates to heaven and hell, attended by angels and demons. Note that the door to hell is less ornate and has no keyholes! The Latin inscription that runs along the bottom reads in full: "O sinners, if you do not mend your ways, know that you will suffer a dreadful fate."

Credit: Holly Hayes