‘Gates of Heaven’: Significance of the Signs of Cancer and Leo on French Medieval Portals

Abstract

Images of the Zodiac adorn numerous portals of medieval churches, often together with representations of the Labours of the Months. It has been noted that among the Signs, Cancer and Leo occupy prominent positions, particularly in churches in modern-day France, where they can be seen at the summits of archivolts or at the top of door jambs. This occurence has mostly been regarded as a reference to the summer solstice, taking place in the sign of Cancer, which was seen as an appropriate symbol for Christ, who was often depicted on the tympana below. According to Macrobius’s Commentary on the Dream of Scipio, during their incarnation, souls pass from the sign of Cancer into Leo, on their journey to Earth. Considering the popularity of this text throughout the Middle Ages, I argue that the notion of the ‘portal of men’, influenced the decision to provide the images of the crab and lion with conspicuous positions within sculptural programs of French portals. By considering these signs within the context of the surrounding decorative scheme, as well as providing relevant passages from contemporary theological texts, I aim to demonstrate how their depictions participated and contributed to the complex symbolism of church portals.