The statuary dates back to the end of the 13th century, with the exception of the large statues on the jambs, which were executed at the time the doorway was built, i.e., about 1230. These eight statues represent six saints and two angels.
On the dividing pillar is the celebrated statue of the Gilded Virgin (photo above) standing with the Child Jesus on her left arm, on which side the hip slightly protrudes. It is one of the earliest examples of this irregularity of outline, and was destined to inspire the Virgins of the 14th and 15th centuries, in which this characteristic became increasingly marked.
A comparison of this statue with that of the south door of the west façade (photo [p. 14]), furnishes a striking example of the evolution which statuary had undergone in three-quarters of a century. The Gilded Virgin (end of 13th century) is represented as a gracious young mother tenderly regarding her child, while the “Mother-of-God” gravely bears the “King of the World.”
On the tympanum (photo [p. 19]) are:
(a) On the lintel: Twelve exceedingly fine, 13th century statues of the Apostles.
The latter converse with animation in pairs. The expression of their faces is quite different from that of the Apostles on the central doorway, the appearance of the latter being solemn and almost godlike (photo [p. 13]).
(b) The upper four sections represent the life of St. Honoré:
1st Section:
To the left, consecration of St. Honoré;
To the right, the voice of Lupicin reveals the shrines of the martyrs.