Zacatecas. The Cathedral 2

This the second of two posts on the magnificent cathedral of Zacatecas.

Besides the west front, the cathedral possesses two contrasting facades framing the lateral entries. Both are later than the main body of the cathedral dating from the 1770s.

The South facade more closely follows the west front: the doorway, framed here by geometrical relief, is flanked by tritostyle columns encrusted with vine reliefs. Above, the figure of N.Sra. de los Zacatecos occupies a grand niche flanked by spiral columns and medallions of saints enveloped by passages of dense floral vegetation. Two archangels and an ornamental cross cap the facade.

Although of similar date, the North facade is fashioned in a more eclectic manner: winged caryatids cap the Corinthian columns to either side of the doorway above which angels hover with Instruments of the Passion in the spandrels.

The upper section is dominated by a curtained Calvary scene in which the crucified Christ is flanked by figures of the Virgin and St. John set on pedestals supported by putti. Freestanding reliefs of angels outflank the framing estípite pilasters.
   As in the west facade, God the Father emerges from banks of scrolling relief foliage in the crowning gable.

text © 2022 Richard D. Perry

photography courtesy of Niccolo Brooker