14th-century marble group of the Annunciation with the Archangel Gabriel and the Virgin, carved to adorn the upper part of the Cathedral door near the Campanile. The statue of the Virgin was carved in the second quarter of the 14th century, but spent a number of years in storage before the angel Gabriel was completed in the latter half of the century and the group could finally adorn the Cathedral door. The Annunciation is the first step on man’s path to redemption, implemented through Mary’s willingness to bear the Son of God. Mary is shown reading in the Holy Bible a prophecy about Her and seems troubled by the sudden appearance of the Archangel Gabriel, who is contrastingly serene because he brings joyful news. Through the working of the Holy Spirit and the Love of God, she was to become the mother of Christ. Mary, in submissive obedience to the divine will, replied: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word".