Dome

Close view, showing the reliefs; The plaster cast is patinated to resemble brass. The original cast brass font is decorated with representations on the cover of Moses and Aaron on either side of an altar, an Allegory of Pity, the Anointing of Christ by St. Mary Magdalen, and the Passage through the Red Sea of the Israelites, the Ark of the Covenant, the Baptism of Christ, and the Virgin and Child between two bishops and the Provost Wilbernus at her feet; the figures supporting the font represent the Rivers of Paradise. The font (ca. 1220) was given to the Cathedral of Hildesheim by Wilbernus, Provost of Hildesheim (1216-1220). Source: V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum) [website]; http://www.vam.ac.uk/ (accessed 4/27/2009)