Nicholaus e i due eroi del protiro di Santa Maria Matricolare: dalla tradizione epica al Tempio di Salomone

This discussion considers the two armed figures at the edge of the prothyrum of Verona Cathedral, which are traditionally identified as Roland and Oliver. In light of the principles governing the entire composition, and in particular its strict symmetry, the first figure is indeed Charlemagne’s nephew, while the second is more likely identifiable with Saint Romanus, ostiarius and martyr. Both figures should be read as allegories of Fortitudo and are inspired by the biblical description of the columns of the Temple of Solomon, Boaz and Jachin.