Apostles, Miracle of Pentecost

Seven figures in all are grouped under a notional architectural structure, as in the adjacent capital (S01PP29); they are arranged in pairs at the sides and with three on the main viewing side. The different sitting positions and gestures of the apostles help to animate the scene.
These seven figures are completed by the five others that are to be seen on the adjacent capital (S01PP29). They are to be connected both with the two capitals of the same bundled pillar (E15PP27, E16PP28) on which the Ascension of Christ is to be seen, and with the large relief placed over them. Here to the side of Christ can be seen the “tongues as of fire” of the miracle of Pentecost as described in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1-4).
With these capitals, situated on the south-east corner of the cloister, the circle of the two main themes in the north and east wings is symbolically closed. The Incarnation in the north wing is closed with the Passion in the east wing of the cloister, in order to demonstrate the humanity of Christ – his death is evoked and his resurrection displayed in confirmation of his divinity. The dual nature of Christ, both human and divine, is thus revealed in this sequence of scenes in both wings of the cloister. It culminates in the miracle of Pentecost: the coming of the Holy Spirit.

apostle Pentecost gesture Holy-Spirit