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The four pillars on the façade of the Orvieto Cathedral are covered with delicate and fine low-reliefs, made by artists, whose identity ís not absolutely certain. The best reliefs are usually attributed to Maitani.
The picture shows the reliefs on the third pillar representing Stories of the New Testament. The scenes described in ten panels are divided by an acanthus.
1st panel (from below upwards and from left to right):
The sleeping Abraham is surrounded by eleven personages, probably prophets.
2nd panel:
Other personages, perhaps prophets with scroll ornaments.
3rd panel:
Annunciation of the Virgin and visit to St. Elizabeth.
4th panel:
Birth of Jesus and adoration of the Magi.
5th panel:
Presentatian in the Temple and flight into Egypt.
6th panel:
The slaughter of the lnnocents and Jesus among the Doctors.
7th panel:
The Baptism of Jesus and temptation in the desert.
8th panel:
Jesus enters Jerusalem. Jesus is arrested in the garden of Gethsemane.
9th panel:
The Scourging of Jesus; the Crucifixion.
10th panel:
The pious women at the Sepulchre. The Angel, sitting on the sarcophagus, announces the resurrection of Jesus.
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