Basilica of St. Mary Magdalen, Vézelay

Central Tympanum: Mission of the Apostles

Back to Photo Gallery | Back to Article |

Previous | Next

Central Tympanum: Mission of the Apostles

The central tympanum in the narthex, depicting Pentecost or the Mission of the Apostles. In the center is Christ, inside a mandorla (almond-shaped halo). Bolts of lightning (or rays of light) shoot out from Christ's hands and hit the apostles in the heads. The inner archivolt and the lintel below are populated with the peoples of the world who will hear the message of Christ. These include, on the lintel, the "Monstrous Races" of foreign lands. This provides a fascinating insight into the medieval worldview and popular legends of the time. Photo Nicholas Thompson.

Sacred Destinations Home Contact Us About Us About Images Photo Prints Advertise Travel Blog Spiritual Tours Travel Blog Timeshares Privacy Policy
Except where indicated otherwise, all content and images © 2005-08 Sacred Destinations. All rights reserved.
Free content for your Google homepage or website! Get our photo gadget.
Sacred Destinations is an online travel guide to sacred sites, pilgrimages, holy places, religious history, sacred places, historical religious sites, archaeological sites,
religious festivals, sacred sites, spiritual retreats, religious travel and spiritual journeys. We are a Yahoo Pick!
Popular categories: Ancient Mysteries, Biblical Sites, Cathedrals, Catholic Shrines, Dead on Display, Footsteps of Jesus, Luther Sites