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.

Register 1 – Bottom

Left: St Martin Divides His Cloak

Martin, still a soldier of the Roman cavalry, rides past a freezing beggar. With his sword he cuts his military cloak in half, offering warmth to the poor man. This is the defining act of his vocation: mercy preceding faith.

Right: Bystanders Witness the Charity of St Martin

Two onlookers, mounted and richly dressed, gesture in surprise as they observe Martin’s deed. Their presence reinforces the exemplary nature of the act: Christian charity triumphs over worldly honour.

Register 2

Left: The Cloak is Returned

Christ appears to Martin—often shown in radiant garments—and returns the half-cloak to him, praising his charity. This vision confirms Martin’s calling and marks his interior conversion.

Right: A Sainted Monk Appears to Him

A haloed monk (variously interpreted as a visionary companion or a saintly figure associated with Martin’s early monastic life) appears beside Martin, offering spiritual guidance. The scene emphasises the saint’s growing sanctity and monastic vocation.

Register 3

Left: A Devil Trips St Martin – An Angel Rescues Him

As Martin climbs a ladder or steps toward a building, a small winged demon tries to pull him down. An angel intervenes, grasping Martin and driving the devil away. This is one of the cycle’s more unusual images, illustrating spiritual warfare and Martin’s protection by God.

Right: St Martin is Enthroned as Bishop

Martin, once reluctant to accept episcopal office, is shown being consecrated or seated upon his episcopal throne. The two assisting clerics place the mitre upon him. This marks his elevation to Bishop of Tours.

Register 4

Left: An Angel Appears to St Martin as He Sleeps

Martin lies in a bed, receiving a heavenly vision. The angel either announces a coming miracle or offers divine encouragement. Medieval hagiography records many such dream-visions in his life.

Right: St Martin Before the Emperor Valentinian

Martin stands boldly before Emperor Valentinian, refusing to be intimidated by imperial authority. Valentinian, crowned and enthroned, raises his hand in amazement or protest, while Martin performs the gesture of blessing or admonition. This scene emphasises the saint’s fearless defence of the Church.

Register 5 – Top

Left: The Miracle of the Pine Tree

Martin confronts pagan worshippers preparing to fell a sacred pine. When they challenge him, he stands firm; the falling tree miraculously turns and collapses in the opposite direction, sparing him. This miracle was central to his conversion of the countryside around Tours.

Right: St Martin Baptising

Martin performs a baptism at a large and richly decorated font, accompanied by clerics. The newly converted believer kneels or bends forward to receive the sacrament. This final scene summarises his pastoral mission and the spread of Christianity through Gaul.

Summary Character of Bay 4

This window presents a complete theological portrait of St Martin:

• charitable soldier,

• visionary convert,

• combatant against evil,

• bishop and teacher,

• miracle-worker,

• evangelist.

Its pairing with a second St-Martin window in the cathedral creates one of the most extensive medieval cycles of the saint still preserved in France.