Description
West Façade, Left Frieze, Life of Mary and Infancy of Christ, Left Side of Central Portal
16: The Three Magi before Herod
(Matthew 2:1-8, Protevangelium of James 21:1-2)
The scene is depicted on two perpendicular faces of a capital. Herod (crowned, holding a scepter, bearded) sits at center where the two faces meet. On the right are two bearded figures - one holds and points to a book or tablet. Probably they are the "chief priests and the scribes" referred to in Matthew 2:4-6 whom Herod summoned to learn about Old Testament prophecies concerning the birthplace of Christ.
At left stand the Magi, holding staffs (to indicate they have been traveling?). The two figures nearest Herod are headless. One has his hands on Herod's thigh. The leftmost of the Magi is bearded and wears a round hat (a crown?).
The placement of Herod not only makes his figure very prominent, but allows him to participate in both scenes. It also echoes his position in the corner in Scene 20 - the Massacre of the Innocents.
At right are figures from:
15: The Annunciation to the Shepherds.
At left are figures from:
17: The Horses of the Magi Attended by a Boy.
18: The Adoration of the Magi
Subject
Cathédrale de Chartres--Pictorial works.;Church decoration and ornament--France--Chartres--Pictorial works.;Church architecture--France--Chartres--Pictorial works.;Christian art and symbolism--France--Chartres--Medieval, 500-1500--Pictorial works.
