Christ in Limbo

Christ’s descent into the realm of the dead is shown on the same pillar as the Three Women at the Tomb (E08PP20). Both capitals are devoted to themes of the Resurrection, salvation and the victory over death.
What is known as Christ in Limbo, or the Harrowing of Hell (the Descensus Christi ad inferos), is not mentioned in the canonical Gospels; only in one of Paul’s Epistles (Eph 4:9), or in apocryphal scriptures such as the Gospel of Nicodemus or the Acts of Pilate (Chap. XVII-XXVII), is it transmitted.
Christ with cruciform nimbus is standing on the south-west corner of the capital, as he draws one of the two emaciated men out of hell. The heads of further figures appear above these naked figures. Christ is shown liberating here the souls of the just, of Adam, Abraham, John the Baptist, and the Kings of Israel, David and Solomon, who are represented with crowns on their heads.
Three devils are watching this event from the opposite corner of the capital. Behind them lies the gateway to Hell, an irregular structure pierced by circular apertures, as in a fireplace. Satan himself is lying grovelling on the ground; his hands are fettered together over his belly. Christ is standing over him and thrusts his crosier into the monster’s throat.
The composition is very compact and only apparently confused. It is the result of a well considered conception aimed at making a powerful impression on the observer.

Hell Christ apocrypha Letter Paul Gospel Nicodemus Acts Pilate salvation soul Adam Abraham John Baptist David Solomon crown devil satan