You are now facing the central gate. Admire the tympanum above. A multitude of statues depict the Passion of Christ. In the center, the crucifixion scene draws particular attention. Look at the figures surrounding Christ: on his left Synagoga, on his right Ecclesia. This allegorical work has a notable difference from the sculptures on the south portal: the Synagogue's eyes are not veiled by a cloth, but by a snake coiled around her head. This motif is also found on the cathedrals of Notre-Dame in Paris and Saint-Seurin in Bordeaux.
In medieval bestiary, the snake has been associated with evil forces since Adam and Eve. The link between the obstinacy of the Jews in their faith and the action of the devil is clearly established. Produced in 1285, 50 years after the statues on the south portal, this work reflects the gradual hardening of the Church's position towards the Jews during the 13th century. As the accusation that Jews had killed Christ grew in medieval society, Synagoga's position weakened, and its decline turned into demonization.
Over time, this iconography bears witness to medieval Christian anti-Judaism. Diabolizing Jews is a way of keeping them at a distance from Christians... The Church is all the more committed to degrading the image of Jews that, apart from periods of crisis, the link between Christians and Jews has not been broken, and they enjoy a relatively peaceful cohabitation, notably because of their commercial and financial relations.
Don't hesitate to extend your tour by entering the cathedral: among other treasures, you'll discover the splendid medieval stained-glass windows on the south aisle, illustrating the life of Christ and featuring numerous depictions of Jews, identifiable by their pointed hats.
serpent synagogue photos @Fondation de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame
