This doorway has been dedicated to the Virgin, and forms one of the most complete representations of the worship of Mary produced by the iconographic statuary of the Middle Ages.
On the pier: A remarkably fine statue of the Virgin, belonging to the first half of the 13th century (photo opposite).
The six bas-reliefs of the pier basement represent the story of Adam and Eve: Creation of man—creation of woman—warning not to touch the forbidden fruit—the original sin—expulsion from the Garden of Eden—Adam and Eve at work.
On each side of the Virgin, in the splaying of the door, are six large statues:—
To the left: The Wise Men of the East offer presents to the child Jesus; Herod questions the Wise Men; Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
To the right: Three groups of statues in pairs represent the Annunciation, Visitation, and Presentation (photo below).
From left to right:
1. Annunciation: Gabriel and Mary.
2. Visitation: Mary and Elizabeth.