Creation of Adam

To integrate the marvelous structure of the Orvieto facade, a fluent plan of decorative garlands of vines was conceived, to unfold on the four pilasters which separate the architectural members. Amid the vines that create a changing pattern of light and shadow, the first pillar recounts the beginning of the story of mankind (Genesis), the fourth its epilogue (Resurrection of the Dead and the Last Judgment). On the two intermediate pillars is shown the prime event on which the outer two depend: the Redemption, as prefigured in prophecy (second pillar), and in its historical fulfillment in Christ (third pillar).