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.
This image shows the Virgin and Child of Chartres Cathedral, commonly known as the Black Madonna of Chartres (Notre-Dame du Pilier). It is one of the most venerated Marian sculptures in France and a central focus of devotion within the cathedral. It was commissioned in 1508 as a black wooden copy of the 13th century silver Madonna that stood on the main altar at Chartres Cathedral.
Set into a 13th century window, in the south ambulatory of the choir (bay 44) of Chartres Cathedral, this is one of the most celebrated medieval artworks in the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres.It dates primarily to c. 1180 CE, with later additions around 1225 CE, making it a rare survivor from the pre-1194 fire that destroyed the earlier Romanesque cathedral.
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 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.
The cathedral of Chartres contains a number of Gothic sculptures. The typmanums above the west porches on the west facade and the decoration on the pillars on the south side are entirely Gothic.
This window (c1260), in the apse of Tours cathedral, contains sixteen scenes from the Annunciation to the Flight into Egypt.
In addition to the martyrs, the south porch contains a sequence of images of those that had proclaimed Christian beliefs during periods of suppression (confessors).
This tall lancet window (c. 1300) os one of two windows that presents a compact cycle of the Life of St Martin, arranged in five horizontal registers, each split into two quatrefoil medallions. The sequence highlights Martin’s charity, his spiritual trials, his episcopal authority, and his miraculous power as missionary and bishop. The glass is characteristic of the early 14th century at Tours, with intense blues and reds, crisp linear painting, and lively narrative detail.
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.
