Romanesque sculptures intended use had an educational objective: to illiterate people and teach the Bible. Most sculpture of the Romanesque period is Biblical and pictorial. An abundant variety of themes can be found on capitals and includes scenes of the Creation and the Fall of Man, scenes of the Old Testament which prefigure the life of Christ, his death and resurrection.

Many scenes of the Nativity occur with the Three Kings being especially popular. The Santo Domingo de Silos Abbey, in Northern Spain, the cloisters and Moissac are outstanding examples surviving complete. Some features of Romanesque churches were the prevalent sculptural scheme, used to cover the areas surrounding the portal or, in some case, much of the facade.

The purpose and intent of the Romanesque sculptural scheme was to convey a message to the Christian believer; that they should recognize wrong-doing, repent and be redeemed by Christ. A great example of this, the Last Judgment, emphasizes to the believer to repent. The Crucifix, carved or painted and prominently displayed within the church, reminds the sinner of redemption. …show more content…
To serve an instructional and religious purpose, Masons delicately chiseled life-size effigies on the jambs and biblical scenes in miniature on the tympanum and lintel above. To those who entered the cathedral, the doors and its surroundings of the cathedral was symbolically entering the house of God. The depiction of kings, queens and prophets from the Old Testament help lend to the 'mark' of "Royal portal" at many