Part of the cathedral pulpit

Part of the cathedral pulpit
The carving in the centre shows Adam and Eve being expelled from Paradise after their fall from grace. After the Reformation, imagery in church art begins to change. Instead of the images of saints, it becomes common to display themes that are morally improving. The uppermost panel, showing a reclining woman holding an apple, represents the sense of taste. The lowermost panel, showing a woman holding an anchor, together with a falcon or dove, represents hope. Angel heads are carved at each corner of the panel. We don’t know what virtues the large figures on each side are meant to personify.

This carving was surplus to requirements when, in the 1870s, the rest of the pulpit was moved to the north wall of the cathedral where it stands today.