Eure-et-Loir
Birth of the Virgin Mary and Childhood
The first sequence of sculpture around the choir screen, starting at the western end of the south ambulatory, is the work of Jehan Soulas from 1519-1521. Sculpted from the hard limestone from the Tonnerre quarry, they consist of scenes from the Gospel of James, depicting the annunciation of the Virgin Mary to Joachim and St Anne, the birth of Mary, and the presentation of Mary in the temple.
FrançaisBlack Madonna - Chartres Cathedral
This Madonna and child was commissioned in 1508 as a black wooden copy of the 13th century silver Madonna that stood on the main altar at Chartres Cathedral. It was later given to the Cathedral in 1540.
Blue Virgin
Set into a 13th century window this image of the Virgin and Child (c1150) is made up of four panels. The blue halo and clothing of Mary are set against a red background.
Cathedral Choir Screen
Above the choir screen at Chartres Cathedral are some 40 sculpted reliefs of biblical scenes, and other scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. The scenes were sculpted by some of the best artists in France and were commissioned at different times over a 200 year period from 1510 to 1720.
Chartres Cathedral
Chartres Cathedral has some of the most beautiful medieval stained glass windows to have survive the upheavals of the last 800 years. The earliest date from the mid 12th century, but most are from the 13th century.
Chartres Cathedral of Notre-Dame
This website provides access to a comprehensive collection of images and detailed descriptions of Chartres Cathedral.
Childhood of Christ
This window (c1260), in the apse of Tours cathedral, contains sixteen scenes from the Annunciation to the Flight into Egypt.
Confessors - Chartres Cathedral
In addition to martyrs, the south porch contains a sequence of images of those that had proclaimed Christian beliefs during periods of suppression (confessors).
Marriage, Annunciation, and Visitation
This second sequence of sculpture on the choir screen, starting at the western end of the south ambulatory, is the work of Jehan Soulas from 1520-1535. Sculpted from the hard limestone from the Tonnerre quarry, they consist of scenes from the Gospel of James, depicting the marriage of the Virgin Mary to Joseph, the annunciation, and the visitation.
Martyrs - Chartres Cathedral
The south porch of Chartres Cathedral contains a series of sculptures, that were made between 1194 and 1230, on the subject of the martyrdom of saints.
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