Month of February

Book V of the Codex Calixtinus includes a detailed description of the Francigena Facade, which mentions reliefs "on the doors to the left of the side entrance" depicting "the months of the year and many other beautiful allegories."

This relief from the northern facade has been associated with the month of February, validating the quote from the Codex Calixtinus that refers to reliefs representing the work undertaken in each month of the year.

The heavily eroded fragment of the relief shows a male figure in profile, dressed in a long tunic and hood. He sits on a simple stool warming his hands and legs by the fire, represented by gentle ripples in the relief. The piece has been attributed to renowned silversmith Master Esteban, and would have been part of the monthly depictions created in a frieze on the facade's left-hand archivolt (ornamental moulding). It is unique because this is the first time the theme appears on the outside of a facade.