Altar-facing with The Virgin Enthroned with Child, Symbols of the Evangelists, and Scenes from the Life of Mary

Frontal facing of the altar table in the church of Sant Cugat, where it was photographed in 1893, before going onto the antiques market in the early twentieth century. The original parts of the sculpture are inspired by works of the late-twelfth and early-thirteenth centuries, and some iconographic details confirm this period, for the second scene from the left at the top, with the birth of Jesus, has some elements that were later banned from religious art. The Virgin is lying on the bed, worn out after giving birth and Joseph is seen sitting to one side, resting his chin on his hand. The Child, completely swathed in bands, is in his cradle. The Church banned this type of depiction in about the fourteenth century.