Adoration of the Magi and Massacre of the Innocents in Bethlehem

The Adoration of the Wise Men from the East is represented on the north side of the capital. The three kings follow the star and leave Jerusalem with their horses through the city gate. They wear short knee-length dress and hold out their gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh embody the three aspects of the person of Christ, namely king, priest and saviour.
The Wise Men Approach Virgin with the Child who sits under the left volute of the capital; she is not turned to the Magi but to the observer. Mary herself forms the throne for the Christ Child, who holds an open book and gestures in the sign of blessing. In the centre of the east side a tower represents the city gate of Bethlehem. An awning hangs from its raked roof; it serves as a baldachin for the Virgin. An inscription can be read in the ground of the calathos above the baldachin: S[AN]C[T]A MARIA C[VM] R[EGIS].
On the other side of the city gate of Jerusalem Herod, at whose feet a dog is lying, orders the massacre of the innocents, which is represented on the broader south side. In the middle two standing women hold their infants in their arms, while a soldier decapitates a youth. His body falls on another lifeless youth, a head and a leg.
So Jerusalem (IHERUSALEM) and Bethlehem (BET[H]LE[H]M), Herod’s earthly kingdom and Christ’s heavenly kingdom, are placed opposite each other on the narrower sides of the capital. The former is characterized by luxury (throne, foot-stool, and dog at his feet are the usual attributes in medieval representations of rulers) and tyranny (massacre of the innocents); the latter by poverty. But the kingdom of Christ is the only valid one: kings pay homage to him; his kingdom shall last forever.

gate Jerusalem Bethlehem inscription R[EGIS] C[VM] MARIA S[AN]C[T]A IHERUSALEM BET[H]LE[H]M massacre Innocents throne Virgin Magi