To make the message even more prominent, the sculpture of the tympanum was painted in bright colors. following a system of colours codified in the 12th century; yellow, called "gold", symbolised intelligence, grandeur and virtue; white, called "argent", symbolised purity, wisdom, and correctness; black, or "sable", meant sadness, but also will; green, or "sinople", represented hope, liberty and joy; red or "gueules" (see gules) meant charity or victory; blue or "azure" symbolised the sky, faithfulness and perseverance; and violet, or "pourpre", was the colour of royalty and sovereignty.