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Poitiers Cathedral: East Window: Crucifixion of Peter and Empty Tomb

East Window: Crucifixion of Peter and Empty Tomb

Bottom: The upside-down Crucifixion of St. Peter, flanked by Nero ordering the execution (with a blue devil whispering in his ear) and the martyrdom of St. Paul by beheading. Paul's executioner stands on his tip-toes in a dance-like pose, his clothing billowing with movement.Top: the three women meet an angel at the Empty Tomb of Christ. Scattered throughout are individual figures rising out of their graves, which may represent those that rose from their graves at the moment of Christ's death. Detail of east window in Poitiers Cathedral, dating from the late 12th century.

Credit: Holly Hayes