Placed early in the south-side clerestory cycle, window 204 pairs St Andrew, the first-called apostle, with St John, the beloved disciple and evangelist. The pairing underscores the complementary roles of missionary labour (Andrew) and theological insight (John) within the early Church.

Description of the Window

Both figures stand beneath Gothic canopies with the standard Bourges geometric borders. The treatment of faces and drapery matches the larger apostolic series.

St Andrew (left)

Andrew is depicted without his later saltire cross, reflecting the early Gothic convention that relied on inscription rather than distinctive attributes for apostolic identification. His mantle, falling in long vertical folds, reinforces the visual rhythm of the window. Andrew’s beard and dignified pose conform to the early-Gothic apostolic type.

St John (right)

John appears beardless, marking him as the youngest of the apostles. He holds a book, symbolising both his Gospel and the Apocalypse. His gentle expression and lightly coloured garments contrast with the stronger tones used for older apostles, visually emphasising his youth and contemplative role.

Iconographic Notes

The Andrew–John pairing reflects a medieval reading of the apostolic mission: one apostle primarily associated with missionary outreach, the other with doctrinal revelation. The absence of John’s eagle suggests a consistent workshop preference for human figures rather than symbolic beasts.

Stylistic Notes

The window’s use of saturated backgrounds, linear drapery patterns, and standardised faces reflects a coordinated workshop effort active across several bays at Bourges.