CREATED, FALLEN, SAVED – The depiction of Genesis on the façade of Modena Cathedral

Owing to their size and content, the four large slabs of Genesis make up the fundamental communicative structure of the façade and of the entire Cathedral. Whatever was their original location, now they are here and here should be admired.

They are a work of art dating from the early 12th century, which convey many messages and meanings to the on-looker. It is not possible, though, to understand them completely owing to the enormous, unbridgeable distance separating our mentality from our ancestors of one thousand years ago. Nevertheless, thanks to the unbroken tradition of the Church and the Holy Scriptures, we can observe these images carefully and perceive the messages that they still communicate.

The first eight chapters of Genesis – the first book of the Bible – are the source of the tale. From this text, some episodes were chosen and interpreted (with interesting variations) in a very essential manner. At the same time, they are rich in symbolic references. All this is due to the communicative wisdom of an exceptional theologian of the Cathedral, Master Aimone, who entrusted the work to an extraordinary sculptor, Master Wiligelmo.