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IMG 4956

IMG 4956

† Window 145 - North rose: Rose of France glorifying the Virgin (restored)

Virgin in center with Infant Jesus. Surrounded by four doves, four angels, and four Thrones. These are followed by twelve kings of Judah, Mary's ancestors. The outer ring contains twelve minor prophets.

The window was donated while Queen Blanche was regent of France (circa 1230). The arms of France alternating with Castile are seen below the rose itself. The entire ensemble is a none-too-subtle bit of royal propaganda, with Mary (the Queen of Heaven) at the center of it all. Note too that the figures below the rose in the lancets contrast a legitimate righteous sovereign with corrupt, foolish, or fallen ones. Blanche seems to have wanted no doubt about how she ought to be considered.

Album: Chartres-Cathedral

Categories: Chartres-Cathedral

Tags: #Blanche of Castille #Chartres #france #Jesus Christ #Mary #Mary enthroned in glory #TCS-photo #Win145 #angels #cathedral #Detail #donors identified #doves #kings of Judah #minor prophets #north side #restored #rose window #stained glass #thrones

Chartres West Exterior Slides 068

Chartres West Exterior Slides 068

Chartres, west side, left door

• Tympanum - Christ ascending into heaven. Angels lean down to ask the apostles "Ye men of Gallilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?"
• Archivolts - zodiac alternating with the tasks for each month

† First - INNER
• February with warming self before fire,
• Capricorn

† OUTER
• November with pig slaughter,
• Libra

Album: Chartres-Cathedral

Categories: Chartres-Cathedral

Tags: #Chartres #france #TCS-photo #Archivolt #calendar of months #cathedral #date estimate #Detail #exterior #Left #west side #zodiac