Capital of Dedication, founder and virtues

The principal thematic organization of this double capital revolves around the presentation, by King William II, of the cathedral to the Virgin. Portrayed on the long side of the capital and accompanied by the carved inscription, +REX Q CVNTA REGIS SICVLI DATA SVSCIPE REGIS, on the impost block, King William II strides spiritedly out and presents his gift to the Virgin. Supported by a flying angel, this model precisely depicts the characteristic features of the basilica, bell tower, transept, and apses.
The three other sides of the capital contain single figures with flanking angels. Crowned and dressed in antique robes, these central figures carry specific attributes and are also identified individually by inscriptions. Between the virtues Spes and Fides, the Lamb of God is represented with a crossed nimbus and cross, above which is the inscription; +IC DNS MAGNVS LEO CRISTVS CERNITVR AGNVS.
The narrow sides are conceived in the same manner and bear the inscriptions; +IUSTITIA DOMINI, and +DEUS EST CARITAS, referring therefore to Justice and Charity. The four figures are to be interpreted as personifications of the virtues Faith, Charity, Hope, and Justice by both the inscriptions and their respective attributes; crown, sceptre, orb and sword, as well as the royal insignia they hold. As a result, they are symbolically linked to the scene depicting the dedication of the cathedral to the Virgin while at the same time they also give praise to the virtues of William II himself.

chalice sacrifice sceptre Eucharist sword orb cross nimbus God Saint-Augustine robe garment personification star Justice Charity Love Hope gift Faith virtue inscription lamb angel King William-II DOMINI CARITAS AGNVS EST CRISTVS DEUS CERNITVR LEO MAGNVS DNS IC REGIS SVSCIPE DATA SICVLI REGIS REQ CVNTA IUSTITIA FIDES SPES Christ blood banner Manus-Dei crown nimbus blessing church dedication Maria insignia dome Verone