The central lancet of Window 208 presents the apostle St Matthew (Matheus), labelled at the base S·MATHEVS. Matthew stands frontally, haloed, holding a bound codex in his left hand, his attribute as both apostle and evangelist. His right hand is raised in a gesture of benediction or proclamation.

The panel is framed by the distinctive Bourges diamond-rosette border in alternating red and blue, highlighting the strong linear outlines and bold colour blocking characteristic of the early 13th-century workshop.

Iconographic Notes

• Although Matthew is an Evangelist, here he appears without the winged man symbol, consistent with the apostolic clerestory format.

• The codex identifies him as teacher, writer, and witness, typical of high Gothic apostolic iconography.

Context

Matthew occupies the axial position in this three-lancet set, perhaps suggesting a hierarchy within the apostolic grouping. His treatment corresponds closely to figures in Windows 210–212, demonstrating workshop continuity across the southern clerestory.