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, on the north side, Vsevolod III, founder of the cathedral, surrounded by his three sons, and on the west, the Labours of Hercules.