Eardrum Central Door, Ste-Madeleine Cathedral, Vezelay

Perhaps the most beautiful of the Romantic tympanums. It's in the central portico narthex (like a receiver after the main front door). The main theme is the apostles' mission, particularly special in the time of the Crusades, as it proclaimed that the duty of Christians was to spread the gospel. Springing from the hands of Christ, going up to heaven, the rays of the Holy Spirit are cast upon the Apostles who all carry the scriptures. The lintel and compartments around the central group are based on legends such as Ethiopians with pig snouts etc.. In the Archivolt (the arch that frames the tympanum) are the signs of the zodiac and agricultural work for each month of the year.