The Chapter Doorway c.1340*

3D Model

Rochester Cathedral Chapter Room doorway. Commissioned c.1340 by Bishop Hamo de Hythe, depicted as a small naked soul at the top of the arch rising to heaven. Either side are angels and the four Doctors of the Church. Two figures emerging from the heads of men below are Ecclesia and Synagoga, representing the Christian and Jewish Church. Synagoga holds a broken staff and the tables of the law held upside down, blindfold to symbolise ignorance of the Messiah. They reflect the anti-Semitic belief that Judaism as a religion was made unnecessary after the coming of the Christ. The small caricature heads surrounding the doorway from purgatory up to heaven depict monks and kings, poor men and rich. Those nearest the bottom are shown suffering and in agony, whilst the figures closer to the top show joy and happiness. Three small faces of men on the doorway high up in a separate part of the arch, possibly the stonemasons.

Bibliography