The sculptors in Vladimir proved the scope of their talent in the 1,300 reliefs on the exterior walls of the splendid St Demetrius Cathedral. They show a series of mythological and historical figures, prophets and animals. Inspired by scenes from the Old Testament, the bas-reliefs evoke the absolute power of the king: note the sculptures on the south façade recounting the ascension of Alexander the Great, and on the north side, Vsevolod III, founder of the cathedral, surrounded by his three sons.