The facade of a large church or cathedral, often referred to as the West Front, is generally designed to create a powerful impression on the approaching worshipper, demonstrating both the might of God, and the might of the institution that it represents. Central to the facade is the main portal, often flanked by additional doors. There may be much other carving, often of figures in niches set into the mouldings around the portals, or in sculptural screens extending across the facade. Both internally and externally, the stonework is often richly decorated with carvings, particularly the capitals.

Early Gothic Carving

The facade of a large church or cathedral, often referred to as the West Front, is generally designed…

A laboratory as found in Pompeii.

Laboratory, Ancient

A laboratory as found in Pompeii.

Assyrian sculpture of displaying horses, carriage, Assyrians and a lion.

Assyrian Sculpture

Assyrian sculpture of displaying horses, carriage, Assyrians and a lion.

Front of Egyptian sculpture, figure in bronze.

Egyptian Sculpture

Front of Egyptian sculpture, figure in bronze.

Side of Egyptian sculpture, figure in bronze.

Egyptian Sculpture

Side of Egyptian sculpture, figure in bronze.

Sculpture of John Hampden, an English politician.

John Hampden Sculpture

Sculpture of John Hampden, an English politician.

Renaissance sculpture of Moses by Michael Angelo.

Moses Sculpture

Renaissance sculpture of Moses by Michael Angelo.

Renaissance sculpture of Nymph by Goujon.

Nymph Sculpture

Renaissance sculpture of Nymph by Goujon.

Renaissance sculpture of St. George by Donatello in Florence.

St. George Sculpture

Renaissance sculpture of St. George by Donatello in Florence.