There are several possible interpretations for this sculpture. At the time the abbey church was built, Vézelay was a Benedictine monastery. The prologue to the Rule of Saint Benedict begins with "Listen, my son, my daughter, to the precepts of the Inner Master and incline the ear of your heart...". Featured on the great tympanum in the nave of the Basilica...
Face to face with the angel The subject of this scene is sculpted three times in the Basilica of Vézelay. A man is grappling with an angel with powerful wings. The angel raises his right hand above the man's head and makes a sign of blessing. The story relates to Jacob and his...
In the basilica of Vézelay at the winter solstice, the sun caresses the stone. At certain times of the day, the sun shines directly on the capitals of the south aisle, like those shown on this map, and at other times on those at the top of the nave. During the Christmas period, the sun, symbolising divine light, illuminates the capitals of the...
The streaks of light in the lower north side of the Basilica of Vézelay that appear on this map are particularly visible at the time of the winter solstice. At this time of year, Christians celebrate the birth of Christ, the light of the world who comes to meet creation and humanity. Photo by Philippe Brame...
In mythology, the unicorn represents the divine; here in the basilica of Vézelay, the stag with a sculpted cross crowning its head symbolises Christ. Peaceful in the face of an aggressive dog (slightly damaged), the stag faces it, even welcoming it serenely. The stag is illuminated in the morning at the winter solstice, inviting the viewer to enter into this same...