Salisbury, England

West Front Sculpture, Salisbury Cathedral

823

c. 1230–1265 A.D. (Early English Gothic)

The statues exhibit Early English Gothic style, characterized by a transition toward more naturalistic, fluid drapery and individualization of facial features. Deep-relief carving and pronounced undercutting behind the statues and around the architectural canopies create shadow traps — deep, dark recesses contrasting with the lit, rounded surfaces of the figures — creating a powerful three-dimensional visual effect separating the sculptures from the flat masonry wall.