Zodiac Window

walwyn Fri, 03/23/2012 - 20:32
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Medieval Stained Glass Chartres Cathedral Zodiac Window

 

Donated by Thibault VI count of Chartres, in 1217, on behalf of Thomas count of Perche, this window illustrates the signs of the zodiac on the right hand side of the window, and the labouirs of the months on the left hand side. The four central quatrefoils are split between the months and the zodiac.

 

Medieval Stained Glass Chartres Cathedral Zodiac Window

 

The upper part of the window contains a central quatrefoil of Christ in Majesty, below and on the left are panels depicting December, November, and September, and in the lower central quatrefoil is October. The right hand side of the window contains the zodiac signs of Capricorn, Sagittarius, and Libra, and in the lower quatrefoil is the sign of Scorpio.

 

Medieval Stained Glass Chartres Cathedral Zodiac Window

 

This next section contains on the left hand side panels depicting the months of August, June and April, July being in the central quatrefoil. On the right hand side are the zodiac signs of Virgo, Cancer, Taurus, and in the quatrefoil is Leo.

 

Medieval Stained Glass Chartres Cathedral Zodiac Window

 

The central quatrefoil depicts the month of May in its left hand side, and the next two panels on the left depict March, and February, whilst January is shown in the bottom quatrefoil. On the right we have Gemini in the top quatrefoil followed by Aries and Pisces, whilst the bottom quatrefoil contains Aquarius.

 

The lower two panels show four people tending vines on the left, and Count Thibault on a horse in the right hand panel.