North section of the dome
The image shows a section of the Sala Capitular (Chapter House) just above the door at the entrance. As you can see, the Latin phrase – PROVEER CHORO I ALTAR – is inscribed on the lintel as well on the beam above the pediment. The purpose of this phrase is to remind the members of the cathedral chapter, who were mostly clergymen, about their responsibilities, i.e., choir and mass, when they were in this hall for meetings.
Located above the wall is part of the ceiling of the dome. As you can see, there is a layer carved with bas-reliefs. The bas-relief just above the door depict an apocalyptic vision of John of Patmos (believed to be the Apostle John and the author of one of the Gospels) as described in the Book of Revelation authored by him. Here are the details:
Revelation 6:1 – The Mystic Lamb opening the book/scroll of seven seals
And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
The Lamb is believed to be Jesus Christ. As you can see, the bas-relief depicts a man is holding a book and lamb opening it.
The Chapter House is an ellipse-shaped hall attached to the south side of the Seville Cathedral, and this is where the cathedral chapter (i.e., the advisory council to the archbishop) met to discuss the religious and administrative affairs of the cathedral.
Related Pages
– Seville Cathedral: An awe-inspiring architectural marvel
– La Giralda: A harmonious blend of Moorish and Renaissance architectural styles
– Sala Capitular – The Chapter House of the Seville Cathedral
– Sacristía Mayor – The Main Sacristy of the Seville Cathedral
Copyright © 2020 by Lawrence Rodrigues. All rights reserved.