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CRUCIFIXION WINDOW
THE PASSION WINDOWS
The Chapel of Grace apse/sanctuary windows are devoted to the
preparation, trial, and crucifixion of Christ, and end with his
Resurrection and Ascension. The theme is taken from the Passion Window in
the apse of the Sainte-Chapelle. The series is chronological, reading
from base to top, and from left to right windows. Main events are shown
in the large medallions, with lesser events in the small medallions. The
four individual lancets have a squared lattice background with four
"knots" depicting the winged heads of the four evangelical beasts (man,
lion, ox, eagle) arranged counterclockwise around each medallion,
referring to the four evangelists who related the passion events. Jesus
wears a blue cloak in the Trial window, befitting the contemplative
atmosphere of the Passion, but returns to a red cloak in the
Resurrection window. The Blessed Virgin Mary is prominent in the
Crucifixion window, recalling her sharing in Jesus' suffering, and the
"lady chapel" role that this chapel would have played in an English
cathedral. The borders depict pomegranates and foliage, the multi-seeded
fruit symbolic of resurrection. Spiritual flames are in the small
tracery pieces at top. |
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