Fleuriel - Notre Dame

The 12th century church "Notre-Dame de Fleuriel" was once the seat of a priory, connected the abbey in Tournus. Now it is the parish church. It is known for the western portal. I had read, that it is one of the finest in the area of Bourbonnais.

This is the most special of all carvings here. A capital, depicting a man, in a seated position. His right arm risen. His hand in an "atlas-gesture". His left arm holds a long pole or stick. The head is palce on top of that stick, he faces "the audience". The man is clothes in a very wide habit or coat.

On the very left two birds. Cocks maybe. Here, on the very right is a large snake.

According to the information I found in Fleuriel about this 13th century carving ("unique au monde"), this is Saint Jaques (so the pole is a pilgrim's staff). There is a legend of St. Jaques and Hermogenus, a heathenly sorcerer, who was opposed the apostel´s missionary efforts , but later was saved by St. Jaques, who freed him from evil demons.
If this carving really is connected to that legend, then the two bird and the snake must be the symbols of sorcery.

It is a wonderful piece of art, but I doubt that complex story/legend around. A little bit. I have to admit, I heard about the legend here the very first time.